The 7 Best Handles For Faucets

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This wiki has been updated 15 times since it was first published in January of 2020. The right faucet handles can be difficult to find because there are many different designs and few universal replacements. Pay close attention and make sure whatever model you choose goes with your faucet’s hardware. Additionally, consider getting a licensed professional involved when installing them, since plumbing is a serious business that can result in flooding and/or injury. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Danco Cross-Arm

2. Danco Universal Lever

3. LDR Industries Acrylic

Editor's Notes

March 03, 2020:

While plumbing is a serious business that should be handled by a licensed professional, some people like to do-it-themselves when it comes to simpler, less invasive procedures like changing out faucet handles. No matter how you install your next set of faucet handles, be sure to follow all applicable manufacturer's guidelines and consider having a first aid kit on hand to deal with slices caused by sharp hardware, as well as towels, buckets, a mop, or even a small pump in case of flooding.

Choosing what made the cut in this ranking was difficult because there is no real standardization or coordination across faucet brands when it comes to valve types and sizes. You would hope that, just like with other inventions and innovations, there would be some prevalent universal designs, but that is not at all the case. In fact, as it stands, many faucet designs don’t even utilize the same handle hardware configurations from model to model, meaning a set of Delta handles that work with one Delta faucet won’t necessarily work with another Delta faucet. What good is a faucet handle if it works on only a small percentage of faucets in existence?

Most of the handles on the list are geared toward kitchen and bathroom sink faucet use, though models like the Danco Canopy can be used for showers and baths in addition to sinks, while BrassCraft Tub and Shower is definitely intended specifically for showers and bathtubs, as its name suggests. Meanwhile, the Danco Outdoor is ideal for hose spigots, but its versatile design allows wiggle room that might include other installations.

Special Honors

Faucet Parts Plus While their website is the equivalent of a mom-and-pop plumbing store from the last century, Faucet Parts Plus's has everything from faucet handles themselves, to stem extenders, spline adapters, and repair kits. If you're not finding what you're looking for above, or you have very specific needs, we suggest stopping by their website and using their search tool. faucetpartsplus.com

4. Danco Outdoor

5. LDR Chrome

6. Danco Canopy

7. BrassCraft Tub and Shower


Christopher Thomas
Last updated by Christopher Thomas

Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.


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