Contraption required to unscrew a kitchen mixer tap
I need to dismantle my kitchen mixer tap which has levers. I know where to unscrew it but these areas are flat so an Allen key or screwdriver would not work. It is very difficult to explain but I can provide a photograph.
Advice from 5 local tradespeople
Most mixer taps with levers have hidden grub screws or caps.
Answer to post:
There’s usually a small grub screw holding the lever on (often underneath or behind). It may be hidden by a cap (red/blue marker) or flush so hard to see.
Try:
• Check underneath the handle for a tiny hole ? use an Allen key
• Gently pry off any small cap to reveal the screw
• If no screw, the handle may just pull off and expose a retaining nut
Once the handle is off, you’ll be able to undo the rest normally.
Yes — please send a photo.
From your description, it sounds like one of these:
a decorative cap that needs to be gently prised off first
a grub screw hidden underneath or behind the lever
a splined handle cover that unscrews by hand
or a flat-sided retaining collar that needs a tap spanner, adjustable spanner, or strap wrench rather than an Allen key
On many lever mixer taps, the visible part looks smooth, but the fixing is often hidden behind a small hot/cold indicator cap or underneath the handle. Once that cap is removed, you usually find either:
a small Allen grub screw, or
a screw head recessed inside
If there is truly no screw opening at all, then it may be a shroud or cover that unscrews first.
Before you force anything:
turn off the water
plug the sink waste
wrap chrome parts with cloth to avoid scratching
do not grip decorative chrome with bare grips unless protected
Send a close-up photo of:
the lever
the underside of the lever
the base of the tap
and the flat area you mean
Then I’ll tell you exactly how to dismantle it.
Picture is needed to respond
This is a common situation with modern kitchen mixer taps — many models use concealed grub screws or retaining nuts that require specific tools rather than standard screwdrivers or Allen keys. Depending on the brand, you may need a specialised basin wrench or tap spanner to reach and loosen the flat-sided fixing under the sink. Some lever handles also have a decorative cap that can be gently pried off to reveal a small hidden screw underneath. If you’re unsure of the exact mechanism or tool required, feel free to share a photo — we can identify the fitting type and advise the safest way to remove it without damaging the tap or sink surface.
Okay, that’s perfectly fine, if you can send me a picture and I can either guide you or come take a look at it myself
