Replacing a ball valve handle means removing the worn or broken handle from the top of the valve stem and fitting a new one that matches your valve's make, model and size. The job usually takes only a few minutes once you know how your handle is attached.
Handle designs vary by manufacturer and valve series. Check the installation and maintenance instructions for your valve before you start.
Preparation
- Follow your site's procedures for depressurizing and draining the line before working on any valve that is in service.
- Follow your manufacturer's instructions for the handle position to use during maintenance.
- When loosening or tightening a screw, bolt or nut, hold the handle steady so the stem does not twist. Too much force on the stem can damage the stem, ball, seats, seals or other internal parts of the valve.
- Wear protective gloves and eye protection. Some fluid may remain in the valve.
- Have the correct replacement handle and any hardware on hand. Handles are specific to the valve manufacturer, model and size.
- Check your valve's instructions for a tightening specification for the handle fastener, and have the right tools on hand.
Identify How Your Handle Is Attached and Remove It
- No visible fastener: the handle has no screw, bolt, nut or pin. Pull the handle straight up off the stem. Some snap-on handles release by gently prying with a flat-blade screwdriver between the handle and the part below it.
- Screw on top of the handle: a screw goes down through the center of the handle into the stem. On some valves it is hidden under a cap, plug or logo. Pry off any cover, remove the screw, then lift the handle off the stem.
- Set screw on the side of the handle: a set screw threads in from the side of the handle and presses into or against the stem. Loosen the set screw, then lift the handle off the stem.
- Bolt and washer: a bolt and washer on top of the handle thread into the stem. Remove the bolt and washer, then lift the handle off the stem.
- Nut and washer on a threaded stem: the top of the stem is threaded and passes through the handle, with a washer and nut holding the handle down. Remove the nut and washer, then lift the handle off the stem.
- Pin through the handle and stem: a pin passes through the handle and the stem. Push or pull the pin out, then lift the handle off the stem.
Install the New Handle
- Check that the stem and any o-ring at the top of the stem are clean and undamaged.
- Fit the new handle onto the stem in the same orientation as the old handle. For pinned handles, line up the holes in the handle and stem.
- Reinstall the fastener and tighten it to the manufacturer's specification if one is given. Do not overtighten. Use new hardware if it came with the handle.
- Replace any cap or plug that covers the screw.
- Check that the handle opens and closes the valve smoothly.
Check the Handle Position
On many quarter-turn ball valves, the handle is perpendicular to the pipe when the valve is closed and parallel to the pipe when it is open. After installing the new handle, confirm it shows the correct position using your valve's instructions. Operate the handle by hand only.
Find the Right Replacement Handle
Alsco Industrial carries ball valves from Asahi, Banjo, Cepex, Colonial, GF, Hayward, Jomar, Midland, Plast-O-Matic, Spears and Ta Chen. Shop ball valves.
- Asahi ball valve handle for Type-21 valves: 1/2 in., 3/4 in., 1 in., 1-1/2 in., 2 in., 3 in. and 4 in.
- Banjo ball valve replacement handle: for 1/2 in. to 2 in. valves
- Banjo replacement handle for full port valves: for 2 in., 3 in. and 4 in. full port valves
- Banjo locking handle: locks in the open and closed positions (padlock not included)
- All valve accessories
Need a handle for another brand? Contact us with your valve's manufacturer, model and size, and we will help you find the right part.