Old Crane tub/shower handle Issue

[tech3500]

The hot handle in my old Crane shower/tub keeps loosening over time. We keep a screw driver nearby to tighten it back up, but a week or so later the screw is loose again.

Last year I took the handle off and found a little plastic white insert to be worn down. Found a replacement and replaced it. Handle Issue was repaired, for close to a year or so, but clearly didn't last.

Ser attached pictures of the handle.

20230401-103654 hosted at ImgBB

Image 20230401-103654 hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

20230401-103647 hosted at ImgBB

Image 20230401-103647 hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

Ive thought of placing a bit of low strength thread locker on this little screw? But if I ever need to get back in there again, I don't want the screw to be near impossible to get off. So I'm hoping there is a better solution. Also a bonus points if anyone knows the screw size or work to get a replacement, the head on the current one is definitely worn from the constant retightening.

 

[Marlinman]

The handle screw is 8-32 x 1/2 round head with a lock washer Crane # FB8695

 

[Sponsor]

 

[tech3500]

Marlinman, thank you for the information!

This is the plastic insert piece that keeps wearing down, it's weird that I don't see it on your cut sheet

Screenshot-20230402-102556-Chrome hosted at ImgBB

Image Screenshot-20230402-102556-Chrome hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

 

[Marlinman]

For some reason the insert is not shown on any of the parts sheets.

 

[tech3500]

For some reason the insert is not shown on any of the parts sheets.

I have the new screws (correct ones, ty!) and have now decided to go ahead and replace both of the Dial-ese cartridges as well.

Both of my handles, cold and hot, turn clockwise to open. I'm assuming this means that the installer just happened to use two cold ones? I read that if it's my wing type handle it's generally one of each (Cold is clockwise, hot is counterclockwise) but in my case they both turn the same clockwise direction. I'll probably just continue this orientation and purchase two cold cartridges, unless you can think of any issues with this idea.

 

[Marlinman]

The only issue I can think of would be a house guest getting confused with 2 right hand stems.