How to tighten a loose Moen Positemp single shower handle.

This shows how to tighten up a loose shower handle and how it got that way. All single handle shower controls will use a similar setup, though they may differ in the detail parts. Good luck. If you find this video useful, please hit the like button and subscribe especially if you think I might post something else useful to you, or you just need a laugh now and then. Drop a comment down below if you have something to add. This format can act as a forum for all of us to learn something.
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[@lenlaflam1100]

Tightened it up but had to take it back apart and clean and lube the screw threads, but it is tight now and works well thanks to your video.

[@teammudshark6894]

Thanks. Glad it helped.

[@MeGaMaNEH]

I removed the screen but my handle does not come off no matter what the hell I do. No idea what's wrong with it.

[@stevenwhite8936]

i cant hear you the waters running !!

[@schtemmah]

Thanks for this! Appears the hex bolt is 7/64" for most Moen handles and fittings.

[@JimAllen-Persona]

Thanks.. looks like my problem

[@larryparis925]

Good info, thanks! Much appreciated.

[@OneWhoLivesThere]

What I'm experiencing is that, after tightening the screw and reassembling, a couple of turns of the handle loosens the screw again. Anybody have an idea of what's happening? Maybe use some Loctite Threadlocker (removable) on the screw?

[@teammudshark6894]

Good morning. The only thing I can think of is if the cartridge is binding and not moving freely, then turning the handle counterclockwise to turn on the water is essentially unscrewing the handle/adapter assy. The valve should turn easily so the center screw should not have to be super tight. They come with a blue threadlocker on them when new. It holds plenty well in normal conditions. If there is a lot of drag on the valve you should replace the cartridge. Thanks and good luck

[@OneWhoLivesThere]

@@teammudshark6894 Thank you! I take it that greasing the cartridge would not help? Trying to avoid the cost of a new cartridge, obviously.

[@teamslaiyans3808]

I took the screw off but couldn’t take the handle off …. I have to force pull it out ?

[@teammudshark6894]

Theoretically, once you have the allen screw out, the handle is just pushed over the flat tab of the inner limit cap. It is most likely corroded in place. You might be able to wiggle the handle back and forth to free it up. If you have some PB blaster to spray into the screw hole, that may help. Make sure the shower is not selected if u have a tub, or get out of the way of the shower when u turn the handle to get to the screw hole. It's easy to get focused on what ur doing and forget moving the handle turns on the water. (Guess how I know) It may take some patience, but there's really no alternative. This is one of those cases where you have to convince the handle that you will not accept defeat. It's just a fact of life that when a problem shows up, It has usually been many years since it was installed. That's always the 1st thing one must come to terms with and expect. Hey, if it was easy, anybody could it. Why do you think plumbers make so much $? Most of their jobs are easy but these kinds of things are where they earn their salt. To quote an old saying. Good luck. Patience is what separates the men from the boys. No offense ladies. But that's the saying.

[@teammudshark6894]

Sorry for not answering til now. This is an important question. Don't know how I missed it. The scre is just the 1st step. if the handle has been on for a long time, and of course it has, they often are stuck due to corrosion. The handle is metal and the round stop fitting, I guess you could call it is plastic. The tab on the stop is a tight fit into the handle so it can be nearly impossible to remove with out destroying the shower cartridge in the process. It is best not to do that as you might end up with a high pressure leak without being able to turn off the water to just that shower if you are say working in a multi unit bldg. If it just doesn't want to separate, I suggest cutting off the handle. i use a hacksaw and carefully work your way through. You may have to make a couple of cuts. The trim kits are readily available so destroying the handle is no biggy. You might want to save the stop assy but those to are avail if you trash the whole thing. Better to cut it off than to break anything behind it. I hope this might help someone out. Sorry it's not likely to be you at this point.