Which way to turn this faucet valve?

[Wayne Lippman]

This faucet hasn't been used in at least 8 years. I tried to turn it and it doesn't want to go either way.
So two questions....
1) Which way to open it? I see it says "shut", but I don't see an arrow on either side.
2) If it is this hard to turn, if I can get it open can I keep it, or should it be replaced?

thanks

 

[Dj2]

You never want to force an old valve, as there's always the risk of making things worse.
It would be cheaper to replace it.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

1) Which way to open it? I see it says "shut", but I don't see an arrow on either side.

It may just be my imagination....

 

[HuffAZ]

I've sprayed a bit of penetrating oil on mine and it usually works to free them.

 

[Terry]

Most valves close clockwise.