How To Remove Moen Shower Handle Without Screws [Solved]

For some reason, you might want to remove the old Moen shower handle ASAP. While doing that, the first task for you is to identify and remove the mother screw that’s holding the handle with the valve. But what if you can’t find any visible screw in the handle? 

In this case, the first thing that comes to mind is, how to remove Moen shower handle without screws. 

Usually, no Moen shower comes without screws. In a modern single-unit moen shower, look for a button or cap on top or on the side of the handle. In double unit handles like knob handles the screw is located under the knob cover and for lever handles it’s located underneath the lever.

Now let’s jump into the detailed discussion of how to remove Moen shower handle without screws for different types of handles.

How To Remove Moen Shower Handle Without Screws [Solved]

Generally, no Moen shower model comes without a screw. Also, removing the Moen shower handle isn’t a complex task. Primarily, there are two types of Moen showers: Single unit and double unit categorized into two types of handles: Knob handles and Lever handles.

Note: You can also read how to deal with moen shower handle stuck.

1. For Standard Unit Handles

Removing a single shower handle without screws might seem like a daunting task, but fear not!

I’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide that will make it a breeze. Here are some tools you need to gather before starting.

Tools Needed

• Philip screwdriver
• Allen wrench (7/64)
• Piler or faucet handle puller

Step 1: Find The Button Or Cap

Look for a button or cap on top or on the side of the handle. This little cover conceals the mechanism holding the handle in place.

Step 2: Gently Pop Out The Cap Or Button

Insert a flat screwdriver into the small gap and carefully wiggle it around the edges to remove the button or cap. Take your time and handle it delicately to avoid any damage.

Step 3: Turn Off The Water Supply

If you plan on changing the cartridge inside the faucet, it’s important to turn off the water supply before proceeding. This will prevent any unwanted leaks or spills.

Step 4: Remove The Screw

With the water supply turned off, it’s time to remove the screw. Determine the size of the screw and use the appropriate wrench to loosen it. 

To prevent the screw from falling into the drain, you can either close the drain or cover it with a cloth.

Step 5: Take Off The Handle

Now that the screw is removed, you can gently pull the shower handle with your hands. If it’s stubborn and won’t budge, you can utilize a faucet handle puller or a pair of pliers. 

Just remember to wrap a towel around the base of the handle before using the pliers to avoid any scratches. Once the handle is removed, you might want to give it a good cleaning. 

Using lemon or distilled white vinegar can help remove any mineral deposits. After cleaning and replacing any damaged parts, it’s time to reassemble everything. Remember to keep the disassembled components in a safe place to prevent any loss.

Congratulations, you’re done with the process.

2. For Double Unit Handles

Moen shower offers double unit handles too. Usually, there are two types of double-unit handles: Knob handles and Lever handles.

Tools Needed

• Philip screwdriver
• Allen wrench (7/64)

i. Knob Handles

If your Moen shower model has knob handles, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Turn off the water supply to prevent any mess

Step 2: Take a thin screwdriver and pull off the nickel designer plate at the top of the knob. Don’t force the plate too hard to come off. The cover’s very thin and it can lose its actual shape. 

Step 3: The main screw becomes visible when the cover is gone. Use the same screwdriver to bring out the screw. 

Step 4: Try pulling the knob and twisting anticlockwise. After the knob comes out, you can also put off the escutcheon plate either by twisting or removing the other screws.

By this, the valve line and cartridge become naked. From here, you can do the main job that requires the removal of your old Moen handle. 

ii). Lever Handles

Removing a Moen shower lever-styled handle without screws can be a bit tricky, but it is possible. Here are some tips from the search results:

Usually, no Moen handle is without screws, it’s difficult to see the screw because it’s right underneath the lever. Thus, the usual strategies for removing the Moen shower handle may not work.

For this process, you’ll need the same tools as mentioned earlier: a Philip head screwdriver and a 7/64 (commonly) Allen wrench.

Make sure to check the user manual whether your Moen shower model has different tool requirements or not. Now, let’s hop into the process:

Step 1: Locate The Screw Of The Handle

If you don’t see any screws, you should inspect the shower handle to see if it has a knob, lever, or cross.

Step 2: Remove The Shower Handle

you need to pry the screw cover outward in a few areas until it pops off, then remove the handle screw and remove handle by pulling it straight out. You may need to wiggle the handle gently from side to side

Note: If the screw is stuck, you need to coat the end of the wrench with a valve-lapping compound to provide friction when removing a Moen shower handle set screw that is stuck.

Important Consideration While Removing Moen Shower Handle

During the procedure of removing the Moen shower handle, you must take some important factors into consideration. Here are things as follows:

• Valve handles are more delicate than knob handles, take some time while dismantling the valve handle. 
• Use only the 7/64 Allen wrench to bring out the valve handle’s screws. Other screwdrivers can ruin the shape of the screw which makes the handle stuck. 
• The Moen shower handle screw can be stuck because of rust and mineral buildup. In that case, the screw won’t come off easily. If it happens, you need to do some sawing and drilling. Call an expert to prevent the valve and water lines can getting damaged. 
• Make sure the balancing spool stays fine while pulling off the handle.
• Before reinstalling the handle, make sure you’ve cleaned all debris, rust, and worn-out tapes over the cartridge and valve line. Use new plumber tapes to tighten the pipe threads if you need to. 

FAQs:

Final Thoughts

So, now you know how to remove Moen shower handle without screws. Be sure to store the uninstalled handle parts properly even if you’re not going to use them. Who knows which part might come in handy in emergency moments?

Ensure expert attention immediately If something goes wrong like Moen’s shower handle keeps breaking.