The Delta kitchen faucets and tub faucets use a variety of set screws to aid in securing the Delta faucet handles and spouts. The rubber plug cover is usually what is on top of the screw head. Turn the set screw counterclockwise using an Allen wrench or Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw from the Delta faucet handle.
Delta RP152 Set Screw, 1/4-28 Screw, that is for use with 140 and 142 Series 1-Handle Kitchen Faucet.
What size are Delta Faucet screws?
Consolidated Supply Co. DELTA® RP152 Set Screw, 1/4-28,that are for use with 140 and 142 Series 1-Handle Kitchen Faucet.
Where is the set screw located?
Loosen the set screw that is holding the faucet to the valve stem. This is a requirement since the handle cannot come off on its own. If you are unable to locate the screw, do not worry since you are not alone. Delta purposely places it in a location on the handle where you aren't likely to notice it. The screw is usually hidden behind a decorative cap. Once you locate the cap, then you have definitely found the set screw.
On a Delta faucet that has a lever-style handle, which is most likely what you will find on most single-handle Delta faucets, the set screw is located directly under the lever. You will therefore have to crouch down to find it. On some upscale Delta kitchen faucets, the screw is usually located on the side of the handle cover that is facing the back wall each time the faucet is off. This usually introduces the added complication of having to turn the water off before you can rotate the handle and remove the set screw. If you are servicing the valve, you will still need to turn the water off.
Once you have located the cap, you may be discouraged by how difficult it looks to remove. However, this is not the case since all you have to do is remove it with a flat-head screwdriver, and it will come off right away. Be careful though, because it is small so you need to be careful in this process since it can easily get lost down the drain.
Use the right Allen Key
Delta has provided many of its faucets with 3/32” hex screws, which means that you need an Allen key of that size to turn one. If all you have is a folding set of metric Allen keys, this is usually approximately 2.5 millimeters, but close enough to do the job just as well.
Allen keys have an L-shape. In this case, the short part of the "L" is designed so that it fits easily in tight places. If you have a folding Allen key set, it is recommended that you rotate the Delta faucet to get the key into the hole. This problem is mostly common to the Delta single-handle faucets. If the faucet fails to turn, get a new one.
What to do when the set screw won't turn
Remove the key and then get a can of WD-40 with the red spray tube. Insert it in the screw opening and then give the screw a few squirts. Give it about five minutes before trying the screw one more time. If you still have no luck, give it a couple more squirts together with another five-minute waiting period. This should do it.
How to remove a Delta Faucet with no visible screws
- Find the location of the Faucet cap or button.
- Pry the cap or button using a flathead screwdriver.
- Turn the main water supply off.
- Remove the Delta faucet screw.
- Pull the Delta faucet handle off.