Cannot remove handle from monobloc tap

[fingres]

Hi All,

I've got a B&Q Lisbon monobloc tap that's dripping from the hot pipe (ie if I isolate the hot water feed the tap stops dripping).

I've isolated the water supply, taken the cap off the handle, unscrewed the small screw inside the handle and unscrewed the tap body cover, but I cannot for the life of me remove the handle! It just will not come off. Am I doing something wrong? I've tried turning it to both extremes to see if it unscrews. I've tried pulling it. I've hit it from all directions with a rubber mallet. I've squirted WD40 in and around it, but it just won't seem to budge.

Any pointers or advice gratefully received.

Cheers!

 

[fingres]

Having read similar posts in this forum I have since also tried;

1. Wedging a piece of wood under the handle whilst open, then closing it.
2. Pouring boiling water over the handle

Neither of these worked. It seriously feels like the handle isn't meant to come off, but it must do, surely?!?!?!

 

[Charnwood]

When you pull the bell-shaped cover up, is there enough clearance to get a spanner onto the hexagonal piece inside it?

 

[fingres]

No, there's only about 5mm clearance so pulling the cover up only reveals the thread.

 

[joe-90]

How about suspending the body between the jaws of a workmate so that only the actual handle is above. Put the screw back in the spindle and put the correct screwdriver in the screw-head - then give it a sharp tap with a metal hammer.

The theory being that you will now apply pressure uniformly and downward so it doesn't jam even harder. Put something under the workmate though as it will drop should you loosen it.

 

[fingres]

Anybody else got this tap and managed to take the handle off?

 

[fingres]

Thanks Joe. Don't really want to take the tap off the sink, but it's starting to look like that might be the only way! If that happens I'll just buy a new tap I think.