Faucet handle removal difficulty

[acompanycog]

Hi All,

I installed a Speakman SB-2523 faucet two years ago, but the cold water handle has gotten hard to turn. I want to remove and loosen it. However, I can’t see how to take off the handle (the handles came assembled to the faucet body).

There is a small set screw on the base plate (not the handle itself), as shown in the picture to the right. However, when I took out the screw, it made no difference. I pulled straight up fairly hard, but I don’t want to break it.

It is only two years old so I doubt it is corroded or frozen with mineral buildup.

Any thoughts how I might do this?

Thanks!

 

[TJRAD]

unscrew the base and handle as a unit. the base will unscrew with the handle attached and rise off of the stem. the base is screwed on to this...(See red arrow)

 

[Sponsor]

 

[acompanycog]

unscrew the base and handle as a unit. the base will unscrew with the handle attached and rise off of the stem. the base is screwed on to this...(See red arrow)
View attachment 104389

 

[acompanycog]

Thanks, I appreciate it!