Need advice on how to remove valve stem.

[fixitfelixjr]

I’m attempting to change out 2 leaky valve stems in my shower. There's a weird large cylindrical head on the end of the stems, preventing the valve stem socket wrench from reaching packing nut. Has anyone ever seen this before?

I’m considering just cutting it off with a hack saw, anything wrong with this idea? Additionally, there is a screw at the top of the valve stem, but removing it didn’t seem to release the cylindrical head.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[johnjh2o]

What is the faucet make? That looks like is part of a fits all handle. There may be trim kits and new stems available for it.

 

[fixitfelixjr]

Thanks for the reply. The problem is, when turned on the valvle stem is leaking pretty badly from the packing nut area, right into the wall. (Notice in the picture how the packing nut is recessed into the tile.)

I think I'll just take a hack saw to it, and cut off that cylyndrical head. Does anyone think that's a bad idea?

 

[IFIXH20]

You need a set of tub/shower deep socket wrenches to remove the stem. The wrench set cost $10 -$15 at the big box stores.