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Tap Handles & Levers

Find a tap handle replacement or replacement tap handles for bath, basin, and bidet fittings. We stock tap lever handle replacements and traditional cross-heads for specific brands like Armitage Shanks and Bristan. These spares restore the look and function of your taps without the cost of a full installation.

Replacement Tap Handles and Lever Spares

Specific tap head components for bathroom and kitchen fittings.

When a tap handle becomes loose, pitted, or snaps entirely, finding an exact replacement is the only way to maintain the aesthetic of your bathroom. Unlike universal handles found in trade stores, our stock includes model-specific levers and cross-heads for brands such as Armitage Shanks, Bristan, and Bathstore. Whether you are searching for a traditional porcelain handwheel for a Bensham mixer or a modern blade lever for a monobloc tap, identifying the correct part requires checking the spline count and handle diameter. We supply individual handles, pairs, and complete kits including indices and screws to ensure a secure, flush fit to your existing tap valve.

Identifying Your Tap Handle: Splines, Screws, and Styles

Technical terminology for choosing the correct replacement tap head.

Handle Type	Key Specifications
Lever Handles	Modern flat or cylindrical handles used for quarter-turn valves. Available in various lengths including 6-inch medical levers for Markwik fittings.
Cross Head Handles	Traditional four-point handles. These usually screw onto the valve stem and require a specific internal spline count to stay fixed.
Porcelain & Ceramic	Classic white or black porcelain handles found on Victorian-style mixers. Often sold as a pair with hot and cold indices.
Kitchen Tap Handles	Specific levers and heads designed for sink mixers. If you are repairing a kitchen fitting, view our kitchen tap spares for model-specific components.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tap Handle Replacements

Expert advice on measuring splines and ensuring handle compatibility.

Are tap handles universal?

No, tap handles are rarely universal. They are designed to fit the specific splines (teeth) on the top of the internal valve or cartridge. If you are looking for shower valve spares or tap heads, you must match the spline count and diameter exactly, or the handle will wobble and eventually strip the teeth of the valve.

How do I measure the splines on my tap handle?

Count the number of small teeth on the valve stem or inside the old handle. Common counts in the UK include 18, 20, and 24 splines. You also need to measure the outer diameter of the spline head with a calliper. If your count or diameter is off by even a millimetre, the replacement handle will not seat correctly.

What is the handle of a tap actually called?

Depending on the design, it is referred to as a tap head, a handwheel (for cross-heads), or a lever. The decorative cap on top that indicates hot or cold is called an indice or a tap button. All these individual parts can often be replaced without buying a whole new handle assembly.

Can I replace a cross-head handle with a lever?

You can only swap handle styles if the internal valve remains the same and the new handle matches the spline configuration. Standard compression valves (multi-turn) usually use cross-heads, whilst ceramic disc valves (quarter-turn) use levers. Swapping styles may also require a different handle shroud or cover to hide the valve body.

How do I fix a handle that just spins?

A spinning handle usually means the internal splines have worn away or the retaining screw has come loose. Remove the indice cap, tighten the central screw, and check for stability. If the metal teeth inside the handle are smooth, you will need a tap handle replacement to restore grip on the valve stem.

Need help identifying your tap handle or spline count?

Send us a photo of your tap and the underside of the handle. Our experts will find the exact replacement for you.

Email Us For Help

Or email us directly at sales@bathroomspareparts.co.uk

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Tap Handles & Levers

Product Type

Handle Type

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Finish

Pair Of Handles Or Single Handle Tap

Handle Connection Shape

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