Shower – Unable to remove shower handle due to stripped allen screw

bathroom-fixturesshower

I have a shower handle similar to this one and need to replace the shower cartridge.

I'm using this video but am getting stuck on the first step trying to use my allen wrench to take off the handle. From what I can tell I think the screw is stripped (I shouldn't be surprised, from what I can tell the original builders did everything they could to make it impossible to replace/fix things)

Does anyone know of a way to remove that screw, preferably with the least amount of destruction possible and without having to buy too many new tools. I would say my general level of comfort for home improvement projects is pretty beginner still.

This is the best picture I was able to get. It almost looks like I need a special tool, but can't find anything on the Delta website saying that.

Best Answer

I had this problem on a moen. The plumber cut through the plastic cartridge between the handle and the valve and was then able to replace the cartridge and re-use the handle.

For a stripped allen/grub screws I've had decent luck with micro grabit.