On Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 9:24:28 AM UTC-6, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 9:47:29 AM UTC-5, Retirednoguilt wrote:
On 1/4/2017 12:14 PM, DB wrote:
replying to mm, DB wrote: Thanks for the post! Out set screw was
stuck, was about to use a torch but was not sure if that was going to
ruin the handle, was also thinking about drilling out the screw but
then would have to find a compatible handle. Read this post - then
used a dish towel and wrench and easily losened the big round nut,
then the handle and ball came right off! After replacing the gaskets
and springs we tighened the nut down by hand and then used the dish
towel and wrench to tighten it down slowly until it was all the way
down (flush). No more drip drip drip! Thanks!



Just yesterday I had almost the same problem, a frozen screw that holds
the handle onto the cartridge on a two handled Delta kitchen faucet.
The screw had a one piece Phillips head and washer. I don't know if the
problem was between the under surface of the washer and the inset in the
handle or between the threads of the screw and the threaded hole in the
top of the cartridge but the screw would not move. After an unsuccessful
soak with WD40, and brute strength with long nose pliers across the
edges of the washer, I put a 1/4" drill bit on my electric drill and
ground away the screw head to where the crossed slots were just barely
visible. I changed to a 3/8" drill bit and carefully started drilling
deeper to grind away some of the thickness of the central 2/3 of the
washer. Using a normal width (3/16") screwdriver, I carefully tried to
pry up the periphery of the washer all around the circumference of the
washer. I again put the long nose pliers across the washer and voila,
it turned easily. Don't know if the vibration of the drilling did it,
the WD40 finally penetrated and loosened whatever was stuck, or if I
really got better purchase on the edge of the washer with the pliers.
In any case, problem solved. I easily found a replacement set screw in
my jar of spare machine screws. Replacing the spring and rubber valve
seat ($2.49 at HD) and cleaning a small deposit of crud off the polished
metal bottom of the cartridge cured the drip.

It always amazes me how often people immediately jump to WD-40.

Why would you think that a stuck screw in a faucet would be freed up
with WD-40?

If it was rusted in place, I'd try a penetrating catalyst such as
PB-Blaster. If it was stuck due to mineral deposits, I'd use vinegar.

It does not surprise me at all that the WD-40 "soak" was unsuccessful.
I'll put my money on the "vibration" from all your other efforts eventually
breaking the bond. The WD-40 may have "lubed" things up once the bond was
broken, but I doubt it was main reason that you got the screw out.

I was introduced to Liquid Wrench when I was a kid. I discovered that not only would it loosen stuck parts and fasteners, it would also run a lawnmower engine. That was the old formula and I'm sure it's been changed to mollify the feds but it worked the last time I tried it. I would warm a part first with either a torch or heat gun(hairdryer) then apply the Liquid Wrench. It would penetrate a stuck part or screw much better that way. ヽ(€¢€¿€¢)ノ

http://liquidwrench.com/

[8~{} Uncle Wrenching Monster