Removal of basin tap handle

Escapees

Want to access spindle to clean up a sticking tap and can't for the life of me work out how to remove the tap handle/head. Removed the inner circlip just in case, even though I know what this is for. What am I missing? I've tried WD 40 but no joy pulling the head off. I can see the hex nut inside and I suppose a monkey wrench might reach it but surely there's a way to remove the tap head to access it with a regular spanner?!!

the_pen_turner

the handle part is slid onto the splines of the tap mechanism part. thats coroded or full of dirt and grim that has set. they can be a pain to remove. if pulling and gently prising wont shift it then cut it off and get a new one. they are cheap ones anyway

bluezulu49

I would put 3 or 4 loops of strong string or baler twine under the x in the top of the tap, put the upper ends of the loops around a hammer handle at the head. A few sharp upward strokes of the hammer should separate the handle from the tap splines.

Escapees

Thanks. No luck even with a crow bar! It looks like the handle part is press-fitted onto the valve mechanism so maybe it's just not serviceable. Managed to get the circlip back in place for now with the help of some blue tack and will just replace the whole tap.

Mr321

Pour some boiling water around the tap head. Leave it for a minute then go back to the gently levering upwards method with a screwdriver. If still no use get some white vinegar and put it around the splines let it sit for 20 mins. Go again. Just a build up of grime has it tight on the splines.

Put some vasaline on the new one when putting it back on

Escapees

Ah thanks, that boiling water method is clever!

Edit: Job done, could see it shifting slowly with hot water and a hell of a lot of force before it launched like a rocket!