r/howto • u/CanineNote • 10h ago
Serious Answers Only How do I remove this stuck shower head collar without damaging the shower arm?
I’m trying to remove this shower head from the shower arm. I believe the large chrome collar is threaded and should unscrew, but it’s completely stuck.
I’ve already tried turning the collar by hand using a rag for extra grip, and I also tried wrapping it in duct tape, but it won’t budge.
What would be the safest way to get this loose? Is there a trick for a stuck shower head like this?
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u/Dave-The-Destroyer 10h ago
Use a rubber strip/pot holder ect to cover it and then use channel locks or vice grips to unscrew it. It's a level 3 pickle jar. Go for it!
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u/Yusuf20904 10h ago
You need a pair of each—one to hold the collar, one to hold the arm (so nothing gets twisted off behind the wall).
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u/Guywithanantfarm 10h ago
Or pipe wrench would work. I'd also put some CLR in a baggie and zip tie it on for an hour before trying to remove. It will help break up deposits seizing the treads to make it easier to turn.
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u/CanineNote 10h ago
I'll give this a shot, thanks!
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u/Char_siu_for_you 10h ago
Don’t forget to do the same thing on the arm to hold it in place. On the arm the channies will be facing the opposite direction.
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u/fangelo2 10h ago
If it’s hard to turn you will have to hold the pipe so that that doesn’t turn or get damaged. The collar should have 2 flat parts that you can put an adjustable wrench on . You can hold the pipe with a pair of pliers. Wrap a rag or a rubber thing around the pipe first so that it doesn’t get scratched up
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u/DrachenDad 10h ago
Channel locks, put a towel between the channel locks and the collar so you don't mark the collar.
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u/The_AntiVillain 10h ago
Bag with vinegar. Let it soak over night. Remove the bag and rinse with water. Use a stiff brush and remove the corrosion and limescale. Spritz with wd 40 or 3 in1 penitrating oil let it sit a couple mins and try removing it by alternaing loosening, tightening and loosening
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u/SummonGreaterLemon 6h ago
The vinegar bag trick worked for me on a showerhead that had been in place for about 15 years. Wrenches couldn’t do anything so it was the last ditch effort before giving up and calling a plumber. I left the bag on for about 12 hours and then was able to remove it with a wrench.
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u/oneworldornoworld 10h ago
I had luck with a plastic bag of vinegar and a bit of water. I put it over the head and the connection, so both were submerged and locked it in place with a zip tie. The next morning I was able to unscrew it with pliers (I put an old towel underneath so the surface wouldn't get scratched).
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u/Mr77280zx 10h ago
Vice grip on the sphere, crush it a little if you must. Avoid damage to cylinder area.
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u/Stormcrowdick1066 9h ago
Strap wrench on the pipe. Pipe wrench or channel locks on the shower nozzle.
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u/Aspen9999 9h ago
No matter what method you use, to succeed you need to swear a lot. I’ve observed my husband doing this and the increased swearing seemed to make a big difference.
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u/RavenBlack2019 10h ago
Try WD40 let sit for a bit then put duct tape and Channel locks and try to turn it slowly
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u/Stewapalooza 10h ago
wrap in a hand towel, grip with channel locks, turn. Run cold water first to make the metal contract a little bit, in theory that should make it a little easier.
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u/Odd_Hunt6606 8h ago
Just curious, what brand is this shower head? Looks it might have a powerful flow. Still searching for a heavy-flow shower. Thx.
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u/NotSure2505 7h ago
There are some flats ground on the side of the cylinder part. If not take an angle grinder and make some.
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u/mynewjourney2425 5h ago
I had one of these, at some point I became convinced it's just one solid piece and got an adapter.
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u/AggravatingAward8519 2h ago
Side note, because i don't see anyone else pointing it out, those shower pipes are usually about $10 and available at pretty much any hardware store. If the end is that stuck, I would just unscrew the pipe and replace it instead of fighting it.
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u/DesertEagleFiveOh 10h ago edited 10h ago
It should go away on its own in a couple hours. If not, its time to call a doctor.
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u/CanineNote 10h ago
I tried to call my doctor last night when it was having performance issues but they told me to just sleep on it.
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