Taking mixer tap apart to replace cartridge

[geojay]

The following two images show a mixer tap that I'm trying to take apart so that I may replace the stiff ceramic cartridge. I've popped off the red / blue plastic cover and that has revealed a 2mm hex grub screw inside but unscrewing that seems to have had no effect. The threaded bar doesn't seem to be double ended, i.e. I can't get it to turn when carefully gripping it. Can anyone suggest what I need to do next to get access to the cartridge?

Thanks!

 

[sircerebus666]

Have you tried pulling off the chrome cover ?

 

[geojay]

Have you tried pulling off the chrome cover ?

Yes, it isn't at all loose...

 

[terryplumb]

It's probably encrusted with limescale ,try heating the handle up . If you don't have anything to heat it with ,pour boiling hot water over it , carefully.
If you can get something under the base of the handle to use for leverage it may help ,after pouring water over .

 

[geojay]

It's probably encrusted with limescale ,try heating the handle up . If you don't have anything to heat it with ,pour boiling hot water over it , carefully.
If you can get something under the base of the handle to use for leverage it may help ,after pouring water over .

Thanks, I eventually managed to get it off but in doing so (using a screwdriver for leverage), made a right mess of the flimsy dome shaped cover that screws on the thread of the nut that keeps the cartridge cover (see photos). I couldn't work out why the handle was so hard to remove, it wasn't at all affected by limescale...



Does anyone have any idea whether I can get a replacement cover? For what it's worth, the outside of the thread measures ~41.7mm

Thanks

 

[Madrab]

Honestly, it's really not worth the hassle, easier just to replace the tap.

 

[durhamplumber]

Have you tried pulling off the chrome cover ?

Try throwing it in the bin! As Madrab wisely suggests