How to Make a Shower Valve Stiffer

Turn off the main water supply to the shower by turning the ball valve on the main water line 90 degrees clockwise.

Insert the edge of a utility knife into the handle cap on the front of the shower valve and push the knife 45 degrees downward to pry off the cap. This exposes the internal handle screw. Use a screwdriver to remove this screw and pull off the handle.

Pull the tube stop straight off the valve. The stop is the metal shield that sits behind the handle. Pry up the cartridge retaining clip on top of the exposed cartridge using a screwdriver or needle-nose pliers.

Identify a retaining clip or spring on the cartridge. All models are different, but the clip or spring is holding the cartridge in. Pull the clip or spring out using pliers. Once the retention device is removed, the cartridge should pull straight out of the wall. Remove the cartridge.

Place a new cartridge of the same make and model into the hole in the wall. Secure it in place with the clip or spring that came with the cartridge. Place the tube stop over the cartridge, followed by the shower handle. Secure the handle screw.

Place the screw cap over the top of the screw and gently tap it into place using the butt of a screwdriver. Turn the main water valve back to the "on" position and test the new shower handle.