I want to replace shower stems due to leaks. The knobs are several
inches away from the wall and there is a chrome sleeve between the
wall and the knobs covering the stem. I got a shower stem removal
rachet set. 21/32" is too small. 27/32" won't fit into the sleeve;
it's just a hair too wide. I can't tell for sure but it looks like
27/32 might be slightly bigger than I need big but would probably be
close enough to get the job done if I could get it into the sleeve.
Is there a stem scoket smaller than 27/32 available or some way of
removing the chrome sleeves without chopping thru tile and/or drywall?

The chrome sleeves are real solid and won't budge. They must be
soldered to the copper fixture within the wall.

I'd have to cut away a section of dry wall to get in from the back.
Would this be fixable or worst case replacable from the back or is it
normally necessary to remove tile in the shower stall?

Thanks,

Bill