How to Fix a Stiff or Stuck Screw Faucet (by Capitan Farloc)

Indice

If your screw-type faucet has become stiff to turn or has completely jammed, it's time to fix it before it breaks. This guide explains how to disassemble, clean, and lubricate a screw faucet to restore smooth operation using simple tools—no need to replace the whole unit. A quick and accessible fix that can help extend the life of your plumbing.

Introduction

Over time and with frequent use, a faucet can gradually become stiff, making it difficult to turn the handle—especially when closing it. Often, the only way to operate it is by repeatedly turning the handle back and forth with some force.
So, what can you do in this case? How can you restore a faulty faucet?
It’s easier than you might think! First, we need to disassemble the faucet, starting with the handle. It is usually secured by a screw, which may be visible or, as shown in the picture, hidden under a press-fitted cover cap.

Screw tap - remove the knob

Removing the Handle

Once the locking screw is loosened, the handle should come off fairly easily. At this point, the faucet body (which is made of brass) should be visible. There are two nuts on it: a smaller one at the top, where the faucet spindle emerges, and another lower down.
The one that needs to be removed is the lower nut, but before doing so, you must first remove the chrome ring that obstructs access to it.

Remove the tap knob

Removing the Chrome Ring

To remove the chrome ring covering the faucet, firmly grip it and unscrew it.
If it is stuck, you can use a rubber strap wrench or, if unavailable, a pipe wrench. However, be sure to protect the surface with a piece of inner tube rubber or thick fabric to prevent scratches.
Once unscrewed, the ring will slide off from the top, exposing the faucet body.

Remove the chrome ring from the tap

Removing the Faucet Body

Now that the chrome ring has been removed, use an appropriately sized wrench to unscrew the nut securing the faucet body.
Before proceeding, I recommend opening the faucet by placing the handle on the spindle. This prevents unnecessary resistance, making it easier to disassemble the faucet body.

Dismantling the tap body

Opening the Faucet Body

Now, you can open the faucet body by holding the lower nut in place with a wrench while gripping the upper nut with another wrench (don’t worry, the nuts are different sizes) and unscrewing it.
Once opened, you can inspect and service the internal mechanism.

Opening the body of a tap

Cleaning and Servicing the Faucet Components

Once the nut is removed, the faucet spindle can be pulled out by turning it clockwise (note: it has a reverse-thread, so turn it as if tightening a standard screw).
Now, thoroughly clean the parts and lubricate them with faucet grease. Also, replace the small rubber sealing ring, known as an O-ring, which you can find at a good hardware store.
Reassemble everything and… good luck!

Review of the internal mechanism of a screw tap

I hope this guide helped you unlock your faucet mechanism.
If you’d like to fully refurbish it because it has started leaking or requires excessive force to stop dripping, I recommend checking out this other article:
Fixing a Dripping Screw Faucet (by Capitan Farloc)

Thank ypu all!
Luciano (Capitan Farloc)

Warning!

The advice and instructions provided on this site come from hobbyists rather than professional technicians, meaning there is no guarantee that they are accurate or represent the best solution.
Additionally, using the tools and techniques described here should be done with careful consideration of one’s own abilities.
These articles assume that the tasks will be performed by individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to use the required tools safely, without risking harm to themselves, others, or property.
Therefore, the owners of this site cannot be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the application of the content found here.
Before undertaking any DIY activity, it is strongly recommended to read the Safety Notice, which provide a basic (though non-exhaustive) list of precautions to follow.

Copyright

The republication of full articles is strictly prohibited. However, it is permitted to publish brief excerpts of the articles or images, provided that the source is clearly credited at the end. This must include a hyperlink directing readers to the original page from which the content was taken.