Peerless single handle kitchen faucet

[Charles2]

This faucet was installed about 10 years ago, and is probably the cheapest one they made. It's dripping, so I wanted to replace these seats and springs: https://www.deltafaucet.com/parts/product/RP4993.html . I stuck a 1/8" allen wrench in the index hole, but the wrench deformed before the screw turned. So I put a 1/8" hex bit in my impact driver and tried that, but the screw and/or bit just stripped out. So now I'm stuck. Is there a way forward, or am I going to have to replace the entire faucet?

 

[hj]

At the very least you will have to cut the handle off. But first call 1-800-345-DELT and see if they warranty the faucet and if so, did it have a lifetime warranty. If so, they will probably send you a new faucet. They, meaning Delta, manufactured the faucet so if that division cannot help you they should be able to forward you to the proper place.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Charles2]

Is there any chance that the screw is reverse-threaded?

 

[hj]

Impossible. If the handle had been heated with a torch before you damaged the screw it would have loosened.

 

[Charles2]

Delta wants me to drill out the screw, then they will replace the screw, handle and ball assembly. What diameter and type of bit should I use?

 

[hj]

Whatever fits into the opening on the handle, probably about 3/16".

 

[Charles2]

Any special type of bit? And what effect would a torch have had on the chrome finish, if any?

 

[hj]

No effect on the chrome, unless you heat it read hot. The screw should not be hardened since the wrench stripped it so just an ordinary twist drill should do it. But, since they are replacing the handle, I would just saw the handle off below the screw.

 

[Charles2]

I'm surprised neither you nor Delta recommended a screw extractor. Do you not find them helpful?

 

[hj]

Not with a screw this small and "corroded" in place.

 

[Charles2]

Worked like a charm for me. Guess I'm lucky.

 

[hj]

In that case the Allen wrench should have worked, if you tried the correct one.

 

[Charles2]

It looks like the screw extractor is made of a stronger metal, and its shank is certainly thicker.

 

[Charles2]

Hey, here's an unrelated question: If an acidic toilet bowl cleaner gets splashed on a chrome finish, is there any way to restore the finish?

 

[hj]

usually not.