Wrench sizes can be one of the most confusing aspects of maintaining your home. Sizes are not standardized, and the hardware store is of little help since they are usually not organized.
If you are wondering, What size Allen wrench for kitchen faucet handle? This article will provide a guide to the wrenches needed for a typical home and kitchen faucet.
What Size Allen Wrench For Kitchen Faucet Handle?
Kitchen faucets mostly use a standard 7/64″ hex wrench, while the screws in their handles also use the same size hex wrench. On Moen showers, a PosiTemp lever is required to control flow and water temperature.
In some countries, hex wrenches, known as Allen wrenches, are multipurpose tools used often during Moen faucet installation.
Those who want to install a new faucet will likely need other tools, including flat screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, Phillips screwdrivers, and pliers. Repair help can be found on the contact page of the Moen website or by phone.
In addition, the website contains animation files to show users how to perform some basic repairs related to faulty components such as loose handles or shutoff valves.
What Size Allen Wrench Fits A Moen Faucet?
No matter the type of faucet you choose, chances are there’s one tool in your workshop that will be able to give you what you need.
Moen utilizes hardware that requires a 7/64″ Hex wrench, which can typically be found in a variety of stackable or Allen wrenches or ratchets.
This Hex wrench applies to Moen faucets, PosiTemp shower valves, and handles set screws.
How Do I Know What Size Allen Wrench I Need?
If you purchased furniture from a retailer like Target or Walmart, chances are you are in luck because most of these sets can be taken apart quite easily.
But if there is an issue, feel free to look through the instructions and see if there is a corresponding list of tools that it might require.
Most of us know that sometimes what’s inside the box isn’t always enough to help send you on your way. When packages are missing instructions or no hex key is included, it’s important to know how to use available resources and create something with them.
You can solve this problem in two different ways:
- Measure the hex keys intended to fit in the fastening hole.
- Use the tried-and-true method of trial/ error.
If you opt for testing option 2, here are a few things you should keep in mind. First, remember not to start with the biggest key you can find and try it out on some screws. Using it on an existing set of screws will better judge what size would be best for your specific project.
Secondly, you should not use too much pressure. Trying to hammer it in will make things worse. Instead, holding the screw in hand and rotating it into the hole will give you enough time to try each size out until you find one that fits best. Nothing more, nothing less.
What Tool Do I Need To Tighten My Kitchen Faucet?
There are different tools to identify and solve an issue with a leaky kitchen faucet.
- A flashlight
- Mini knife
- Hand gloves
- Basin wrench
Where Is The Set Screw?
The handle on your faucet will not inevitably come off. You first have to loosen the set screw holding it in place. If you can’t seem to locate the screw, that’s because the company purposely hides it away in a corner where you aren’t likely to notice it – behind a decorative cap.
Once you’ve taken off said cap and used either a wrench or your hands, depending on the faucet type, to unscrew the thing, you are ready to get to work replacing your handle!
On a tub faucet, you may have to crouch down to find the set screw, and on sank-style sinks, you might have to reach up a little. The set screw might be on the side facing the back wall.
But we can’t stress this enough: installation is easier (and faster) if you rotate the handle, so it faces the back wall first. This way, instead of crouching down or reaching up when you remove the screw, you’ll be able to do it while standing.
After removing the lid, you will find the cap underneath. It may look difficult to remove as it can be very snug, but often all that’s necessary is to give it an upward push with a flat-head screwdriver, and it will pop right off.
However, its small size makes for easy losing if not careful, so make sure to hold onto it carefully after removal.
Conclusion
So, the answer to What size Allen wrench for kitchen faucet handles? has been available.
For the record, most of the time, the Allen wrench you need for your kitchen faucet handle is a 7/64″ hex wrench. It’s also a good idea to slip a bit of tape over the end of the handle to avoid scratching your sink.
If you’re still not sure what size hex wrench you need, call a professional to come out and help you.
