Good Idea and when all else fails you need to adapt, as for me I have been in the trade for over 30 years the way that has worked best for me is to use a strap wrench, the key to getting that piece off is to apply equal pressure around the ring, when you use a pipe wrench or a channel lock it will squeeze the fitting and those are fine threads so it tends to bind instead of loosen. Always make sure to apply some silicone grease to the treads before putting the fitting back, it will make it much easier for the next guy. Also when tightening the piece back if the cartridge is in correctly and set in the notches' hand tight should be fine. I know that there is more than one way to do this This is just my way.
I agree a strap wrench is great (so of course it appears my kids used it & didn't put it back), & especially to lube up stuff like that on initial install & before being reinstalled. Doing all my own automotive work I have learned to lubricate things that will be dealing with corrosion to make my life just a bit easier.
This was one of the most helpful videos I’ve used for diy! I tried channel locks, a pipe wrench, and both so I wouldn’t rip the four pipes off the valve. In 30 seconds the bonnet nut was off with this technique. Thank you for saving me a plumber call who might have ripped the pipes off the valve if this technique was not known.
Thank you!!! The screw driver trick saved me a headache. I removed the old cartridge by using a small flat screwdriver between the old cartridge and the brass pipe, then used a bit bigger flat screwdriver at 12, 6, 9, 3 o'clock and the old cartridge came out using one hand. Remember, these things are made out of plastic and can break if you use force, so be gentle. I also used the bigger screwdriver and a hammer at 12, 6, 9 and 3 o'clock to put the new one back in. BE VERY GENTLE.
Vinegar Soak Time appears to matter. I had similar leak and stuck bonnet nut, so I shut off water and ran faucets until dry and tried Liquid Wrench (lots all around both sides of bonnet nut), tried straight vinegar on rag for 5 hours wrapped around bonnet nut and cartridge that was plastic wrapped on the outside to decrease smell and evaporation, then tried tapping with hammer, pulling on strap wrench handle with 2ft long box wrench for leverage, long pipe wrench, huge Channel Lock pliers, but nothing would budge the nut. My shower surround is fiberglass, so I wasn't willing to try the torch. I really didn't want to file the nut or use whatever impact force I might have to on the slot to get it to move. Finally, I tried the (Delta-suggested) 50% vinegar, 50% water on the rag, wrapped the bonnet and cartridge again with it and then plastic wrapped the outside of the rag again. I decided to leave it there for an additional 24 hours, though I did turn the water to the house back on during that time (Delta didn't recommend a particular time length for the vinegar/water wrap). Came back, turned water off, and ran faucets, and that time the strap wrench got it loose on the first try. When reassembling (after replacing just the seats and springs), I put some silicone grease on the threads. Best of luck to all.
Our valve was original and over 26 years old. I first tried a set of channel locks and a pipe wrench to avoid twisting off the front of the valve. No luck even after soaking it in WD40. Wish I'd found this first. But before I tried the notch approach, I made a strap wrench using my smallest oil filter wrench with a spacer of alternating scraps of leather and sandpaper. Worked like a charm!
WW, great tip and thanks for sharing ! As others, tried all sorts of contraptions .. wrench, channel lock ... she was stuck tight. 2 mins with this method and loose ! Next would have been a blow torch and glad I didn't have to go there. I also used a couple of cuts of wood from the tub below to prop up under the valve to avoid the pressure down on the valve housing when pounding with the hammer and screwdriver.
If this doesn't work, I suggest a slight modification of this method that worked for me. The bonnet on my shower faucet was really stuck. Tried heat (blow torch with cartridge wrapped in wet cloth), Lime Away, and WD 40, along with channel lock pliers, all to no avail. I saw this video and created a notch that my screwdriver fit into as recommended, but when I hammered the screwdriver, it actually took a hunk out of the brass bonnet, rather than turn the bonnet. I then used my hacksaw (one designed for tight spaces - no frame on the one end), to cut a deep groove into the bonnet (full width of it), without cutting through to the threads (which could damage them and lead to you not being able to put on a new bonnet). I then inserted a large screwdriver with a wide blade into the groove and hammered on that. After a few strong blows the bonnet budged and started to turn. i could then used channel locks to remove. Lots of corrosion on the threads that I cleaned off before putting the new bonnet on with plumbers grease.
I have to thank you for this video. I was getting ready to cut the whole thing off today and go get a new one. Really save me a lot of time and headache. This trick worked like magic
chiming in to say thanks, this worked perfectly .. saved a call to the plumber and the nut came loose in one turn of the channel lock vs my prior attempts that yielded nothing! thanks for the video
This is a great video! Used penetrating oil two days, still stuck. Called a plumber; he said since the nut cannot come off with penetrating oil he needs to cut pipes from the back wall. Lucky enough I saw this video and did not use the plumber service. Saved me not only hundreds of bucks but the hassels.
3 weeks ago, I tried changing out the cartridge in my shower. The bolt for the shower handle was stripped, so I had to drill it out. Then, when I went to remove the bonnet nut, it was seized bad. Tried every method possible to remove the bonnet nut and could not get it to budge. Decided that the best thing would be to cut the bonnet nut. Unfortunately, I didn't have an extra bonnet nut on hand, so I ordered 1 on Amazon and had to wait for its arrival. 3 weeks later I am back on TH-cam looking at DIY videos and came across this video. It seemed pretty simple, so I decided to give it a shot. It didn't come off easy, but it came off. In the end I was able to fix my shower and save myself some money in the process. Thank you so much for sharing this video.
Thank you for saving me thousands of dollars! The plumber wanted to rip the whole valve out through the wall. What a “rip”! This took me ten minutes after I watched your video. Thank you for your service!
This worked! And it kept me from having to cut the bonnet completely or use a crazy blow torch like many other videos suggest. Actually only took about 5 mins to file the notch. Thanks for posting!
After trying a pipe wrench, 3 in 1 oil, heat, and a strap wrench with no avail, I found this video on TH-cam. I was a little skeptical, but since I was desperate, I gave it a try. Didn't work initially, but after applying some more heat, then tapping the nut all around, yes, it worked! I had to chase it around with the hammer and screwdriver through two complete turns, then it spun off easily. The nut itself is brass, and very thin material. I think that a pipe wrench squeezes it down and causes too much friction. I cleaned the threads and applied "anti seize" to help out my future self...
I used another video to replace my cartridge where the guy had the same problem, but he used a dremel to notch a groove into the bonnet. Not having a dremel and not wanting to buy one just for this, I found your video and got myself a $7.59 triangular file on your recommendation. Worked perfectly. Thank you!
I only wish that I found your video first, not last. Thank you for this amazing and successful hack. It took 5 minutes to file the bonnet nut and knock it out, not to count the time to get the three sided file from my tool box :) . What is ridiculous is the official video from Delta that paint this as a simple job as a few steps, using the hand to remove the nut. Shame on them. I even called them, and they suggested using white vinegar to soak the nut for 24 hours.
Bernd Munzenmayer 1 month ago Just replaced my Delta Shower valve. I had a problem getting the retaining nut loose. I had hit it with WD-40 a few days earlier and also on the day I replaced it. I tried a strap wrench. No luck. Tried a large channel wrench. It still wouldn't budge. Decided to try something different. There was probably some hard water build up and I needed to break it free from the internal threads. I got a threaded hose clamp that fit the nut and made it as tight as possible. I gave it a tap with a hammer and it broke free right away and turned off easily! I also made my temp adjustments before replacing the valve so they matched the original key setting so I didn't have to keep removing the handle for each adjustment. Also noticed on the new Delta valves that they now a small slot on the top and bottom so it can be pried out with 2 screw drivers.
This guy is right on with this video. You can use a new hacksaw blade to make the groove. Take the flat blade screwdriver and lightly start to tap lefty loose. Thanks much!!!
Thanks this worked great I ended up cutting the nut off with a Dremel tool.****** Pro tip order a extra bonnet nut before doing this project, you can thank me later if you end up cutting the nut off. Thanks Weekend Warrior for giving me the confidence to do this.
Thanks a ton! I used a Dremel to cut a little notch. (I didn't have a file.) 30 sec of tapping and it started to turn. Was starting to think I was going to have to cut it off and replace it... Thanks so much!
Worked like a champ! Instead of using a file, I used a dremel instead but still only enough to create a lip for a screwdriver. Great tip. I was so frustrated before watching this!
Thank you! I never would’ve thought of this. Simple and worked perfectly. It didn’t give up without a fight but I got it thanks to you! Also used a hair dryer also to heat up the bonnet nut but don’t know if that made a difference or not.
Great video! You want to apply the force to the direction of the tangent line of the bonnet circle. That's exactly why this method works. Wrenches are not suitable for smooth bonnet. Because the direction of the force that the wrench puts on the bonnet is way off the tangent line. That's why many people still could not wrench it off after applying heat or penetration oil.
Thank you. I went thru half a can of PB Blaster and trying to loosen with channel locks and couldn’t get it to budge. One little tap with a chisel in the groove I made in the nut after watching this and came loose
LOL PB BLaster Penetration smelled up my bathroom and the bedroom it's in. Now we have to sleep outside to wait for the oily smell to go away. Only if I knew this technique before applying the oil and how strong the Blaster Penetration is.
Thanks for the video! I tried the hose clamp trick mentioned in a few of the comments, first, because that seemed less aggressive than slotting the nut and that worked like a charm!
This right here! Tried penetrating fluid, lime away, heat, multiple pipe wrenches. Was getting ready to cut the entire valve out of the wall. 20 freaking seconds later and this tip wins the day
My bonnet nut was pretty stuck as well. I could see marks on it from the plumbers that originally installed it so they probably used channellocks despite the instructions saying tighten by hand. I didn't want to go out and buy channellocks so I put some heat to it with a hair dryer and used a rubber strap wrench to twist it. It came off.
I sprayed CLR remover around the edges, then took a wrench and very lightly tapped all around in all directions. Viola it was loosened with first try. Thank you
This is very good information, thank you. But before you do this, I highly recommend spraying the nut with a liberal amount of WD40 and simply letting it sit overnight. I had this exact problem, but just wanted to try to lubricate it before I went to such drastic measures -- and it worked! No need to get out the hacksaw! Of course, if the WD40 doesn't work, then I would use this as Plan B.
I got myself a strap wrench which worked perfectly, but I think this approach will also work very well. Since the bonnet is hidden under the cover, it doesn't matter if it gets scratched and whatnot.
WORKED LIKE A CHARM!!! Only have to tap lightly at first.....maybe 10-20 LIGHT taps....and POP. Don't go crazy with the hammer and bend the pipes, you'd be surprised how effective hammering action (think impact wrenches) is compared to straight torque .
U safe my ass! I was about to give up cause I pb blaster this nut and was afraid I might break the pipe. Couldn’t get this bonnet nut to come off until I came across your video. I use a dreme tool and cut a slot into the side and 6 wack it move!!! Thanks you!!! Thank you!! Then I got to the cartridge, that thing was stuck on good, I tear the whole plastic thing inside to get it out pieces by piece.. I was able to reused the bonnet nut too..
Great idea! saved me time and a plumber bill. was torquing on it a bit and the shaft started to bend so stopped, then found your idea and worked beautifully! Had to do it once on each side then it came off! thx!
Wow, I was at my wits end but your trick worked perfectly. The entire bonnet is covered by the chrome sleeve so the little cut (and other dings by me) is hidden anyway ..
Thanks alot, guy! I actually had two Deltamix 1600's , I finally identified, to do. With this trick, and forcing some WD-40 into the front, and some work, the nuts came loose with no slipping and sliding wrenches involved. Excellent!
Just replaced my Delta Shower valve. I had a problem getting the retaining nut loose. I had hit it with WD-40 a few days earlier and also on the day I replaced it. I tried a strap wrench. No luck. Tried a large channel wrench. It still wouldn't budge. Decided to try something different. There was probably some hard water build up and I needed to break it free from the internal threads. I got a threaded hose clamp that fit the nut and made it as tight as possible. I gave it a tap with a hammer and it broke free right away and turned off easily! I also made my temp adjustments before replacing the valve so they matched the original key setting so I didn't have to keep removing the handle for each adjustment. Also noticed on the new Delta valves that they now a small slot on the top and bottom so it can be pried out with 2 screw drivers.
I work in maintenance and have to replace these often, a lot of times there so seized on that spinning it will the spin the pipe inside the wall. We head up the collar or bonnet with a torch. The heat expands the metal of the collar making it easy to remove without damaging anything. Sometimes takes multiple heatings tho
Bonnet came right off! My problem was the valve cartridge getting stuck in opening! Top half pulled off. And then inner part started to crack apart. I ended up having to put the channel locks in the two valve holes to wiggle them independently up and down and a vise grip clamped on to one of the holes to give outward pressure while wiggling
The Bonnet Nut may not have been over torqued when it was initially installed - Calcium build up over time will tend to "freeze" up the Bonnet Nut, locking it into place - CLR Cleaner placed over the Bonnet Nut area so that it can "seep" into the threads can sometimes free it up - The filed notch is an excellent idea as well and some even use a short hack saw to remove the nut and replace with a new one... \m/
I tried heating it, spraying WD-40 inside, turning it (gently) with a wrench, pouring some hydrocloric acid on it, nothing worked. Saw this and had the nut off in about a minute. Thanks!
I took off the big silver plate first. Then took a large strap wrench. I got mine from harbor freight. But ant rubber strap wrench works. The large one works best. Then i took some 150 grit sand paper wrapped around the bonnet. Mounted the wrench tight and pulled. The grit bit into the bonnet and it came off. I could not fine a bonnnet easy around me and needed to fine one now or get this off. Word. The threads are very fine. Be careful putting back on straight. Use silicone lube on threads to help and keep from sticking when putting back on. Careful it is sticky and being lube you dont want it on the bonnet ring outside. Just inside on threads.
Thank you so much for the helpful video. We had the exact problem, taking off the bonnet. First of all, I don't get why it was put on so tied, it is supposed to be taking off by hand; and secondly, if the manufacture of the bonnet could make 2 or 3 small flat surfaces on the ring, it would be a lot easier to get it off without damaging it.
May have not been over torqued when the Bonnet Nut was installed - Calcium build up over time will tend to "freeze" up the Bonnet Nut locking it into place - CLR Cleaner placed over the Bonnet Nut area so that it can "seep" inot the threads can sometimes free up the Bonnet Nut - The filed notch is an excellent idea as well and some even use a short hack saw ti remove the nut and replace with a new one... \m/
I tried every trick in the book, including this one, but my ring was completely stuck. I ended up using a dremel with a cutoff wheel and carefully put a shallow cut across the ring and then broke it with a screwdriver.
Hey you guys I just changed my shower cartridges and once you learn it’s really easy and don’t forget to get your refund those deltas cartridges have a life time warranty and I got a check for 136 dollars just send a picture of the new cartridges and the receipt and bingo my check was in the mail in one week and I never understand why they don’t mention this in there videos 🙏🏿
Another way to remove is take a radiator hose clamp and tighten it around the bonnet and tap lightly with a hammer and it will break free. Also delta sells a bonnet clamp wrench that works good.
Good Idea and when all else fails you need to adapt, as for me I have been in the trade for over 30 years the way that has worked best for me is to use a strap wrench, the key to getting that piece off is to apply equal pressure around the ring, when you use a pipe wrench or a channel lock it will squeeze the fitting and those are fine threads so it tends to bind instead of loosen. Always make sure to apply some silicone grease to the treads before putting the fitting back, it will make it much easier for the next guy. Also when tightening the piece back if the cartridge is in correctly and set in the notches' hand tight should be fine. I know that there is more than one way to do this This is just my way.
I agree a strap wrench is great (so of course it appears my kids used it & didn't put it back), & especially to lube up stuff like that on initial install & before being reinstalled. Doing all my own automotive work I have learned to lubricate things that will be dealing with corrosion to make my life just a bit easier.
This was one of the most helpful videos I’ve used for diy! I tried channel locks, a pipe wrench, and both so I wouldn’t rip the four pipes off the valve. In 30 seconds the bonnet nut was off with this technique. Thank you for saving me a plumber call who might have ripped the pipes off the valve if this technique was not known.
Thank you!!! The screw driver trick saved me a headache. I removed the old cartridge by using a small flat screwdriver between the old cartridge and the brass pipe, then used a bit bigger flat screwdriver at 12, 6, 9, 3 o'clock and the old cartridge came out using one hand. Remember, these things are made out of plastic and can break if you use force, so be gentle. I also used the bigger screwdriver and a hammer at 12, 6, 9 and 3 o'clock to put the new one back in. BE VERY GENTLE.
Vinegar Soak Time appears to matter.
I had similar leak and stuck bonnet nut, so I shut off water and ran faucets until dry and tried Liquid Wrench (lots all around both sides of bonnet nut), tried straight vinegar on rag for 5 hours wrapped around bonnet nut and cartridge that was plastic wrapped on the outside to decrease smell and evaporation, then tried tapping with hammer, pulling on strap wrench handle with 2ft long box wrench for leverage, long pipe wrench, huge Channel Lock pliers, but nothing would budge the nut.
My shower surround is fiberglass, so I wasn't willing to try the torch.
I really didn't want to file the nut or use whatever impact force I might have to on the slot to get it to move.
Finally, I tried the (Delta-suggested) 50% vinegar, 50% water on the rag, wrapped the bonnet and cartridge again with it and then plastic wrapped the outside of the rag again. I decided to leave it there for an additional 24 hours, though I did turn the water to the house back on during that time (Delta didn't recommend a particular time length for the vinegar/water wrap). Came back, turned water off, and ran faucets, and that time the strap wrench got it loose on the first try. When reassembling (after replacing just the seats and springs), I put some silicone grease on the threads. Best of luck to all.
Our valve was original and over 26 years old. I first tried a set of channel locks and a pipe wrench to avoid twisting off the front of the valve. No luck even after soaking it in WD40. Wish I'd found this first. But before I tried the notch approach, I made a strap wrench using my smallest oil filter wrench with a spacer of alternating scraps of leather and sandpaper. Worked like a charm!
WW, great tip and thanks for sharing ! As others, tried all sorts of contraptions .. wrench, channel lock ... she was stuck tight.
2 mins with this method and loose ! Next would have been a blow torch and glad I didn't have to go there.
I also used a couple of cuts of wood from the tub below to prop up under the valve to avoid the pressure down on the valve housing when pounding with the hammer and screwdriver.
If this doesn't work, I suggest a slight modification of this method that worked for me. The bonnet on my shower faucet was really stuck. Tried heat (blow torch with cartridge wrapped in wet cloth), Lime Away, and WD 40, along with channel lock pliers, all to no avail. I saw this video and created a notch that my screwdriver fit into as recommended, but when I hammered the screwdriver, it actually took a hunk out of the brass bonnet, rather than turn the bonnet. I then used my hacksaw (one designed for tight spaces - no frame on the one end), to cut a deep groove into the bonnet (full width of it), without cutting through to the threads (which could damage them and lead to you not being able to put on a new bonnet). I then inserted a large screwdriver with a wide blade into the groove and hammered on that. After a few strong blows the bonnet budged and started to turn. i could then used channel locks to remove. Lots of corrosion on the threads that I cleaned off before putting the new bonnet on with plumbers grease.
I have to thank you for this video. I was getting ready to cut the whole thing off today and go get a new one. Really save me a lot of time and headache. This trick worked like magic
chiming in to say thanks, this worked perfectly .. saved a call to the plumber and the nut came loose in one turn of the channel lock vs my prior attempts that yielded nothing! thanks for the video
This is a great video! Used penetrating oil two days, still stuck. Called a plumber; he said since the nut cannot come off with penetrating oil he needs to cut pipes from the back wall. Lucky enough I saw this video and did not use the plumber service. Saved me not only hundreds of bucks but the hassels.
3 weeks ago, I tried changing out the cartridge in my shower. The bolt for the shower handle was stripped, so I had to drill it out. Then, when I went to remove the bonnet nut, it was seized bad. Tried every method possible to remove the bonnet nut and could not get it to budge. Decided that the best thing would be to cut the bonnet nut. Unfortunately, I didn't have an extra bonnet nut on hand, so I ordered 1 on Amazon and had to wait for its arrival. 3 weeks later I am back on TH-cam looking at DIY videos and came across this video. It seemed pretty simple, so I decided to give it a shot. It didn't come off easy, but it came off. In the end I was able to fix my shower and save myself some money in the process. Thank you so much for sharing this video.
Glad it helped, thanks for sharing.
I tried this first and sadly I had to cut it off :/
Thank you for saving me thousands of dollars! The plumber wanted to rip the whole valve out through the wall. What a “rip”! This took me ten minutes after I watched your video. Thank you for your service!
Tried this technique today and it worked great. Saved a lot of headache. Thanks for posting.
Omg! You just saved me. Hard water was my worst enemy in doing this simple repair and within minutes the stuck bonnet but was free. Thanks!
This worked! And it kept me from having to cut the bonnet completely or use a crazy blow torch like many other videos suggest. Actually only took about 5 mins to file the notch. Thanks for posting!
I tried everything Chanel locks, pipe wrenches. Nothing was working, then I saw your video. Soooo simple and it worked perfectly… thank you so much
After trying a pipe wrench, 3 in 1 oil, heat, and a strap wrench with no avail, I found this video on TH-cam. I was a little skeptical, but since I was desperate, I gave it a try. Didn't work initially, but after applying some more heat, then tapping the nut all around, yes, it worked! I had to chase it around with the hammer and screwdriver through two complete turns, then it spun off easily. The nut itself is brass, and very thin material. I think that a pipe wrench squeezes it down and causes too much friction. I cleaned the threads and applied "anti seize" to help out my future self...
I used another video to replace my cartridge where the guy had the same problem, but he used a dremel to notch a groove into the bonnet. Not having a dremel and not wanting to buy one just for this, I found your video and got myself a $7.59 triangular file on your recommendation. Worked perfectly. Thank you!
I only wish that I found your video first, not last. Thank you for this amazing and successful hack. It took 5 minutes to file the bonnet nut and knock it out, not to count the time to get the three sided file from my tool box :) . What is ridiculous is the official video from Delta that paint this as a simple job as a few steps, using the hand to remove the nut. Shame on them. I even called them, and they suggested using white vinegar to soak the nut for 24 hours.
Bernd Munzenmayer
1 month ago
Just replaced my Delta Shower valve. I had a problem getting the retaining nut loose. I had hit it with WD-40 a few days earlier and also on the day I replaced it. I tried a strap wrench. No luck. Tried a large channel wrench. It still wouldn't budge. Decided to try something different. There was probably some hard water build up and I needed to break it free from the internal threads. I got a threaded hose clamp that fit the nut and made it as tight as possible. I gave it a tap with a hammer and it broke free right away and turned off easily! I also made my temp adjustments before replacing the valve so they matched the original key setting so I didn't have to keep removing the handle for each adjustment. Also noticed on the new Delta valves that they now a small slot on the top and bottom so it can be pried out with 2 screw drivers.
YES!!! TWO Barely set whacks and it came loose. Channels, etc., same. Didn't wanna Force it! YOU ROCK MAN! THANKS!!!
This guy is right on with this video. You can use a new hacksaw blade to make the groove. Take the flat blade screwdriver and lightly start to tap lefty loose. Thanks much!!!
Thanks this worked great I ended up cutting the nut off with a Dremel tool.****** Pro tip order a extra bonnet nut before doing this project, you can thank me later if you end up cutting the nut off. Thanks Weekend Warrior for giving me the confidence to do this.
Thanks a ton! I used a Dremel to cut a little notch. (I didn't have a file.) 30 sec of tapping and it started to turn. Was starting to think I was going to have to cut it off and replace it... Thanks so much!
The best fix! Other videos said to saw it all the way off but the new kit does not include a replacement bonnet nut!!! Thank you!
Worked like a champ! Instead of using a file, I used a dremel instead but still only enough to create a lip for a screwdriver. Great tip. I was so frustrated before watching this!
Thank you! I never would’ve thought of this. Simple and worked perfectly. It didn’t give up without a fight but I got it thanks to you! Also used a hair dryer also to heat up the bonnet nut but don’t know if that made a difference or not.
I used WD-40 along with this file trick.
Yes!! I was stuck and about to give up! So simple yet so effective!!
Great video! You want to apply the force to the direction of the tangent line of the bonnet circle. That's exactly why this method works. Wrenches are not suitable for smooth bonnet. Because the direction of the force that the wrench puts on the bonnet is way off the tangent line. That's why many people still could not wrench it off after applying heat or penetration oil.
Heat gun to make the metal warm (not hot) to the touch and then tap. Repeat. Works for me for a kitchen faucet bonnet.
Thank you. I went thru half a can of PB Blaster and trying to loosen with channel locks and couldn’t get it to budge. One little tap with a chisel in the groove I made in the nut after watching this and came loose
Great to hear! Thanks for the feedback and glad it worked.
LOL PB BLaster Penetration smelled up my bathroom and the bedroom it's in. Now we have to sleep outside to wait for the oily smell to go away. Only if I knew this technique before applying the oil and how strong the Blaster Penetration is.
A literal life saver! My grandmothers shower has needed love for years and I was having issues with exactly this. Thank you so much!
Great idea!!! Worked when everything else failed (including almost burning my house down while trying to "heat up" the nut.)
I was about to call a plumber over this silly little nut, it just would not budge. Your way worked perfectly. Thank you!
Works perfectly and simple way to remove bonnet nut. Don’t even need to soak with vinegar for 24 hrs.👍👍
Thanks for the video! I tried the hose clamp trick mentioned in a few of the comments, first, because that seemed less aggressive than slotting the nut and that worked like a charm!
This right here! Tried penetrating fluid, lime away, heat, multiple pipe wrenches. Was getting ready to cut the entire valve out of the wall. 20 freaking seconds later and this tip wins the day
My bonnet nut was pretty stuck as well. I could see marks on it from the plumbers that originally installed it so they probably used channellocks despite the instructions saying tighten by hand. I didn't want to go out and buy channellocks so I put some heat to it with a hair dryer and used a rubber strap wrench to twist it. It came off.
I'll add my thanks to this thread. I used a dremel with a cutoff blade to make the notch, but same idea. Thanks man!
I sprayed CLR remover around the edges, then took a wrench and very lightly tapped all around in all directions. Viola it was loosened with first try. Thank you
This is very good information, thank you. But before you do this, I highly recommend spraying the nut with a liberal amount of WD40 and simply letting it sit overnight. I had this exact problem, but just wanted to try to lubricate it before I went to such drastic measures -- and it worked! No need to get out the hacksaw! Of course, if the WD40 doesn't work, then I would use this as Plan B.
Thank you for posting this tip. It worked exactly like you showed in the video! So helpful👍
I got myself a strap wrench which worked perfectly, but I think this approach will also work very well. Since the bonnet is hidden under the cover, it doesn't matter if it gets scratched and whatnot.
WORKED LIKE A CHARM!!! Only have to tap lightly at first.....maybe 10-20 LIGHT taps....and POP. Don't go crazy with the hammer and bend the pipes, you'd be surprised how effective hammering action (think impact wrenches) is compared to straight torque .
It worked !!!! I didn’t believe it but actually works less than 1 minute honestly
Oh man! Thank you so much! We've got crazy hard water, and this trick helped immensely!
U safe my ass! I was about to give up cause I pb blaster this nut and was afraid I might break the pipe.
Couldn’t get this bonnet nut to come off until I came across your video.
I use a dreme tool and cut a slot into the side and 6 wack it move!!! Thanks you!!! Thank you!!
Then I got to the cartridge, that thing was stuck on good, I tear the whole plastic thing inside to get it out pieces by piece..
I was able to reused the bonnet nut too..
Omg. You saved me from at least another hour of frustration. Thank you for posting this.
Great idea! saved me time and a plumber bill. was torquing on it a bit and the shaft started to bend so stopped, then found your idea and worked beautifully! Had to do it once on each side then it came off! thx!
Thank you for posting this video. This worked for me after I had exhausted all other options and found this video.
Wow, I was at my wits end but your trick worked perfectly. The entire bonnet is covered by the chrome sleeve so the little cut (and other dings by me) is hidden anyway ..
Thanks alot, guy! I actually had two Deltamix 1600's , I finally identified, to do. With this trick, and forcing some WD-40 into the front, and some work, the nuts came loose with no slipping and sliding wrenches involved. Excellent!
Just replaced my Delta Shower valve. I had a problem getting the retaining nut loose. I had hit it with WD-40 a few days earlier and also on the day I replaced it. I tried a strap wrench. No luck. Tried a large channel wrench. It still wouldn't budge. Decided to try something different. There was probably some hard water build up and I needed to break it free from the internal threads. I got a threaded hose clamp that fit the nut and made it as tight as possible. I gave it a tap with a hammer and it broke free right away and turned off easily! I also made my temp adjustments before replacing the valve so they matched the original key setting so I didn't have to keep removing the handle for each adjustment. Also noticed on the new Delta valves that they now a small slot on the top and bottom so it can be pried out with 2 screw drivers.
Super helpful tip. Thank you! I used a Dremel to make the ridges in mine that I needed to unscrew the nut. Couldn't have done it without this video.
Had a heck of a time, but the file groove hammer trick worked like a charm! Thank you!
Had this problem as well. Once I got it off, I put some anti-seize on it when I replaced it. Seems to help it from sticking in the future.
This is not working for me. It's still stuck. Maybe I'm being too gentle because I'm worried about things twisting inside the wall.
Bro!! Freaking life saver didn't have a file so used a bread knife and screwdriver and came right off. Thanks for the tip brother
Worked great! Almost lost hope until I saw this video. Life saver!
Saved me a lot of time, frustration, and a flooded bathroom...THANKS!!!
I work in maintenance and have to replace these often, a lot of times there so seized on that spinning it will the spin the pipe inside the wall.
We head up the collar or bonnet with a torch. The heat expands the metal of the collar making it easy to remove without damaging anything.
Sometimes takes multiple heatings tho
Bonnet came right off! My problem was the valve cartridge getting stuck in opening! Top half pulled off. And then inner part started to crack apart. I ended up having to put the channel locks in the two valve holes to wiggle them independently up and down and a vise grip clamped on to one of the holes to give outward pressure while wiggling
You my friend, are a freaking GENIUS! I tried everything, and yet with 20 seconds of filing and a few taps, that nut was off cleanly!! THANKS!! :)
This worked for me. Surprised how well it worked.
Thank you so much. I didn’t have a file but used my Dremel tool to cut that groove. Took a few pretty hard taps but then it screwed right off.
Thank you! Your trick absolutely worked, and it saved a lot of work and time!
Wow..... Best advice I took today. Thank you
I used my adjustable oil filter wrench to get my stuck bonnet off. Worked like a charm.
the technique in this video did not help. so stubborn bonnet nut. I will try your idea. I also have an adjustable oil filter wrench.
Are you talking about the ones with a rubber strap that you wrap around the oil filter?
@@billyc768 mine is metal that adjusts to any size
Very clever hack! Your idea worked like a charm. Much appreciated!
Worked for me after trying everything else! Great tip
I used a 2 dollar strap wrench as it will definitely get it lose without destroying the nut. And that's what Delta recommended.....
The Bonnet Nut may not have been over torqued when it was initially installed - Calcium build up over time will tend to "freeze" up the Bonnet Nut, locking it into place - CLR Cleaner placed over the Bonnet Nut area so that it can "seep" into the threads can sometimes free it up - The filed notch is an excellent idea as well and some even use a short hack saw to remove the nut and replace with a new one... \m/
I used Harbor Freight dremel for 8$ and cut that ring out. CLR is not work.
Bro , you saved the day . That is very smart idea . Worked perfect 👍👍👍
TH-cam for the win! This worked so simply! Thank you
I tried heating it, spraying WD-40 inside, turning it (gently) with a wrench, pouring some hydrocloric acid on it, nothing worked. Saw this and had the nut off in about a minute. Thanks!
Awesome!! Worked on my 15 years old Delta bonnet! Thanks.
Big help! Worked like a charm. Thank you!
Best advice video . Saved my day . Thanks
OMG Weekend Warrior...it worked!!! Thank you so much bro!
Thank you.
Ive tried it all . But forgot about that trick.
Thanks man!
Awesome. File is a great idea. Got my bonnet nut off.
Cheap fix! Thanks for the huge help!
I took off the big silver plate first. Then took a large strap wrench. I got mine from harbor freight. But ant rubber strap wrench works. The large one works best. Then i took some 150 grit sand paper wrapped around the bonnet. Mounted the wrench tight and pulled. The grit bit into the bonnet and it came off. I could not fine a bonnnet easy around me and needed to fine one now or get this off.
Word. The threads are very fine. Be careful putting back on straight. Use silicone lube on threads to help and keep from sticking when putting back on. Careful it is sticky and being lube you dont want it on the bonnet ring outside. Just inside on threads.
Thank you so much for the helpful video. We had the exact problem, taking off the bonnet. First of all, I don't get why it was put on so tied, it is supposed to be taking off by hand; and secondly, if the manufacture of the bonnet could make 2 or 3 small flat surfaces on the ring, it would be a lot easier to get it off without damaging it.
May have not been over torqued when the Bonnet Nut was installed - Calcium build up over time will tend to "freeze" up the Bonnet Nut locking it into place - CLR Cleaner placed over the Bonnet Nut area so that it can "seep" inot the threads can sometimes free up the Bonnet Nut - The filed notch is an excellent idea as well and some even use a short hack saw ti remove the nut and replace with a new one... \m/
Thanks a lot for making this video. You are the man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This saved me today, thanks for the video and idea!
I tried every trick in the book, including this one, but my ring was completely stuck. I ended up using a dremel with a cutoff wheel and carefully put a shallow cut across the ring and then broke it with a screwdriver.
You are an absolute life saver. Thank you!!
Much better than using a blow torch... Will try it 🤞🏾
Thank you. So easy!!! Saved me so much pain.
Genius - thanks! Mine was stuck and is stuck no more.
Thanks so much! You’re amazing!! This trick saved our life!👍👍👍👍👍
Worked like a champ! Thanks a bunch!
Hey you guys I just changed my shower cartridges and once you learn it’s really easy and don’t forget to get your refund those deltas cartridges have a life time warranty and I got a check for 136 dollars just send a picture of the new cartridges and the receipt and bingo my check was in the mail in one week and I never understand why they don’t mention this in there videos 🙏🏿
Chisel groove Worked like a charm!
This one is a lifesaver; thanks a lot for your good tip!
Oh damn this worked like a charm! My next resort was to cut that fucking thing off. 4-5 LIGHT TAPS with the hammer was all it needed.
Thanks!
genius!! worked like a charm
Another way to remove is take a radiator hose clamp and tighten it around the bonnet and tap lightly with a hammer and it will break free. Also delta sells a bonnet clamp wrench that works good.
Are you talking about the clamps that adjust with a screwdriver/small socket, or the ones that you have to squeeze really hard and slide off the hose?
Worked like a charm Thanks
Thanks you for great trick. It saved me a lot of time .