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How to Simply Fix Loose Faucet Handles

Tighten a loose faucet handle in the bathroom, kitchen or shower with a screwdriver and teflon pipe thread tape.

by Gary Wentz

From The Family Handyman

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If you have a loose valve handle—on a shower, bathroom or kitchenfaucet—tighten the screw that holds the handle in place. With some faucets, you’ll have to pry off the metal button at the center of the handle. With others, you’ll find a setscrew near the base of the handle. Setscrews usually require ahex (or “Allen”) wrench. If tight-ening doesn’t work, the stem inside the handle may be worn, especially if it’s plastic. Here’s a trick to tighten worn stems on most types of faucets:
Wrap the stem tightly with Teflon pipe thread tape and slip the handle back over the stem. In most cases, a single wrap creates a snug fit.

From The Family Handyman - December / January 2006

• • Bathrooms
• • Weekend Projects
• • Plumbing Projects
• • Kitchens

• How to Remodel Your Bathroom Without Destroying It
• Add space and give your bathroom a new look with new medicine cabinets, lighting, tile and paint.
• 
• Toilet Seat Replacement
• Remove a toilet seat with rusty and corroded bolts by using spray lubricant, or drilling out the bolt.
• 
• How to Replace a Bathtub Spout
• Cutaway photos show how to replace the three most common types of bathtub spouts when they are leaking or broken.
•