MOEN shower tub diverter with no set screw how to take off?

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brettybaby

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Hi forum,

I got a MOEN shower tub diverter handle with no set screw. I was just wondering how do I take this off so I can change the cartridge.
 

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Carefully pry this plug out with a sharp object
719D34A2-6843-4C63-AD8B-E0DD953D1005.jpeg
There’s a Phillips head screw in there
 
I got the screw out of the handle. but the handle is not budging when I try to pull it off.
I sprayed some PB Blaster penetrating lube in the screw hole and it still wont budge.

Anyone have any ideas on what to do to pull the handle off if it wont come off
 
I have a new cartridge on hand, turn the water off and then get aggressive with the handle rocking it back and forth.

it either breaks the cartridge stem off or the handle comes off.
 
^^^^^
Makes sense; cartridge was designed to be disposable.
 
It can break the handle. It can also break the stem off the cartridge and make it difficult to remove the cartridge.

Also if the valve isn’t anchored well in the wall you can break pipes…..

Luck plays a role. 🫣

You could butcher the handle with a Dremel or grinder. I don’t like using either tools and I don’t like metal shavings.
 
So....? CLR? Vinegar? Other dilute acid? Something to dissolve mineral buildup.
We know that's there, saw the powdery residue in one of the photos.
 
So....? CLR? Vinegar? Other dilute acid? Something to dissolve mineral buildup.
We know that's there, saw the powdery residue in one of the photos.
It would be hard to get those substances where the handle and the stem meet. You could try I guess but it’s a hidden joint between the two under the handle canopy.

The best solution IMO is to cut the handle off the stem carefully then replace the cartridge and the handle. That’s the safe way but you can’t re-use the handle.
I usually just break it off and replace it all or re-use the handle once I get the broken piece out.

The handle has been redesigned and is no longer made like the original posters handle.
 
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