If you need to replace parts in a Moen faucet in your bathroom or kitchen, you’ll likely need an Allen wrench to remove specific parts. Keep reading for a quick guide on what kind of Allen wrench you’ll need for your project. Regardless of why you need to take apart a faucet in your home, we are here to help you figure it out.
Which Size Allen Wrench Will I Need?
For the most part, Moen uses hardware that will require a 7/64 inch hex wrench. This applies to Moen Renzo faucets, handle set screws on one-handle kitchen faucets, and PosiTemp levers in Moen showers.
- T-handle design delivers maximum power
- Soft touch grips for maximum control and comfort
- Sizes laser etched on blade
- Blade-through-handle design for high torque applications
Are The Hex Wrench And The Allen Wrench The Same Thing?
The terms ‘hex wrench’ and ‘Allen wrench’ may be used interchangeably. An Allen key or Allen wrench is also known as a hex key. It is a small tool that can be used to drive bolts and screws with a hexagonal socket. These tools are available in a variety of sizes to suit a lot of different needs.
When it comes to repairing a faucet, you’ll need an appropriately sized hex wrench to do the trick. All of the sizes have the same hexagonal-shaped tip. Whether you need to check the cartridge in the valve body or examine the interior of the faucet for rust, you need to choose the proper size of wrench for removal.
How Do You Get A Stripped Allen Bolt Out Of A Moen Faucet Handle?
Perhaps you are ready to start your repairs on your faucet. Maybe it is leaking water or making a strange whistling noise, or the handle will not turn. You have done your research and are ready to get going on the problem and move toward a solution. However, you go to remove the set-screw, which is one of the initial steps in most processes, and it is stripped. Now what?
Before you get too crazy with fancy equipment, try a few simple tricks to remove the stripped bolt. You can use pliers to try and grip the head of the screw to turn it counterclockwise. If you use this method, be sure to turn slowly to loosen where it is caught.
If that didn’t work, try using a rubber band. Place the rubber band over the stripped bolt. Use a flathead screwdriver and drive it into the rubber band. The rubber band will help fill the gaps and help remove the screw. If the screw is completely stripped or the fastener is too big, this method usually will not cut it.
You also can try using a flathead screwdriver after turning the screw into a flathead. Do this by creating a groove in the head with a Dremel or file. Once you have gotten a solid notch made, use a flathead screwdriver to remove it. However, it is essential to note that this method will damage the head of the screw, so do not use this method if you are trying to steer clear of that.
If none of these methods have worked, try using this method. As frustrating as it is, removing a stripped set screw is doable with the right equipment.
For this, you’ll need:
- Power drill
- Hammer
- Adjustable pliers that lock
- Screw extractors
- Metal drill bit
Remove The Stripped Allen Bolt
Start by gathering all of your tools. You need to ensure that you obtain the proper size of screw extractor, as you will need to attach the head to the screw. Attach the correct metal drill bit to your power drill. Hold the drill bit on the stripped screw head, preferably centered, for best results.
Drill a pit into the screw that is about 6.5 millimeters. Switch your drill to reverse to remove the screw. It is vital that you choose the correct size of bit to drill the hole, or the extractor will not work.
Place the screw extractor into the hole in the screw. Use the hammer to drive the extractor in further. Make sure the extractor fits snugly in the screw hole, or you will not be able to remove the stripped screw.
Now that you’ve got the extractor firmly set into the screw hole, use your adjustable wrench or locking pliers to maneuver the screw extractor heat in a counterclockwise motion. The stripped screw will begin to turn out of the faucet when you start to turn it.
Once you get the stripped bolt out, you can continue with any necessary repairs. Remember to get a replacement screw so you don’t run into this issue again when trying to remove the faucet handle screw or shower handle screw.
Lonnie, my problem is the set screw for single handle kitchen faucet is missing. I found a #10-32 set screw and it’s too small. Do you have any idea what size set screw is used? The faucet is approx 3 years old.