OT: Stuck Set Screw

Semolina Pilchard

I need to change a washer in the kitchen sink faucet. To get the handle off I need to remove a set screw that seems to be stuck. I can only think of two options, using something as a cheater to give me more leverage on the allen wrench,which I think will break the allen wrench or strip the set screw, or heating the set screw with a torch, which will ruin the finish of the faucet, and possibly burn down the house. Any suggestions?

RRP

I'd insert the Allen wrench and apply some heat to the handle. That often breaks rust loose. OTOH if that still strips the screw you'll have to buy a small "Easy Out" and just be careful.

thirdeye

Have any liquid wrench or a heat gun?

FlaPoolman

Insert allen wrench and gently tap with hammer while putting force on it. Works most times

Rooster K

Spray with WD40 and let sit for 10-15 min just a thought.

Rascal

Apply a penetrant and let it soak in over night. Tap the head of your wrench to shock the bonding loose. After that, gentle heat might free things up due to unequal expansion rates. After that, it's on to the sawzall! Happy Trails! 8 - )

lowercasebill

i would ice the set screw in addition to the above mentioned tips... and maybe boinling water folowed by the ice good luck, i just did mine last month, what a pain..thought i was doing good with a couple of bleeding knuckles till i knocked the channel locks off the counter, no shoes, direct hit... big toe.

Celtic Wolf

I second this option

cast_and_blast

Penetrant (like Deep Creep, Liquid Wrench) to start. If that doesn't work and you wind up applying heat, do so in conjunction with the penetrant. You heat it, then let it cool just a bit and spray with penetrant - it pulls the penetrant down into the threads as it cools.

Good luck!

Scott

Rascal

Contact "Spring Chicken" for help... 8 - )!!

fishlessman

i just let mine drip, but the penetrating lube and tapping are your best options. heating the screw isnt right, you would need to apply heat to the female side of the screw and this isnt what you want to do with the faucet.

lowercasebill

:laugh: very funny i am still smiling thanks for the afternoon chuckle
bill

Spring Chicken

Yea, I was gonna suggest a bigger hammer but then I started reading the other suggestions and decided to keep my trap shut.

Spring "Mr. Fix-it Twice" Chicken
Spring Texas USA

tach18k

You could look for a left handed dril bit about 1/8 inch and drill it out, it may come loose on it's own by then.
Depending on your time, it may be cheaper to get a new faucet.

Semolina Pilchard

Thanks all, the lubricant and heat gun did the trick.