[Windguy]

I needed to replace my clogged aerator about a year ago. It was not just calcium deposits; it seemed like there were tiny pieces of stuff in it.

I could not figure out how to remove it. I went to Lowe’s and they sold me a set of four key-like tools and the correct one easily removed the aerator. I went back to Lowe’s to buy a new one once I knew what it looked like and they wanted something like $75 for it. The Lowe’s employee asked me if I had a Delta faucet, which I do have. He said that Delta would send me a new one for free if I called them. I did. They sent me a new one and it included the removal tool.

Check with Delta first before you spend money!

[Mrfriendly]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

If you haven't removed your faucet aerators in a long time, good luck, especially if you have a plastic "hidden" recessed aerator. These come with a round plastic tool for removal, but I spent several days trying unsuccessfully to remove two aerators. I had a plumber at my house doing another project and I asked him to remove it. He couldn't and suggested that I buy a new kitchen faucet. Today, I received this Danco tool from Amazon, and the aerator came right off.

Amazon.com

Thanks for the info. Can we all just borrow yours?? 😇

[nn0wheremann]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

If you haven't removed your faucet aerators in a long time, good luck, especially if you have a plastic "hidden" recessed aerator. These come with a round plastic tool for removal, but I spent several days trying unsuccessfully to remove two aerators. I had a plumber at my house doing another project and I asked him to remove it. He couldn't and suggested that I buy a new kitchen faucet. Today, I received this Danco tool from Amazon, and the aerator came right off.

Amazon.com

I just use my old Channellock pliers with a wash cloth around the aerator to avoid scraping the finish. Never fails.

[nn0wheremann]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

On the same subject I soak our shower head over night in vinegar
and what a difference it made.
It made the stream so much softer then before.

Me too. Great plumbing hack. Works very well for kitchen sink sprayers too.

[Bugface]

Helpful post, thank you.

[dougawhite]

Originally Posted by nn0wheremann

I just use my old Channellock pliers with a wash cloth around the aerator to avoid scraping the finish. Never fails.

That's only for external threaded aerators. The OP has the 'new' style with internal threads.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

If you haven't removed your faucet aerators in a long time, good luck, especially if you have a plastic "hidden" recessed aerator. These come with a round plastic tool for removal, but I spent several days trying unsuccessfully to remove two aerators. I had a plumber at my house doing another project and I asked him to remove it. He couldn't and suggested that I buy a new kitchen faucet. Today, I received this Danco tool from Amazon, and the aerator came right off.

Amazon.com

Sometimes they can’t be removed due to galvanic corrosion? Most all of mine were pot metal, seems plastic has replaced them.

Pair of vise grips alway worked for me. Fine line from being too loose or too tight and sometimes requires little working back and forth?

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

On the same subject I soak our shower head over night in vinegar
and what a difference it made.
It made the stream so much softer then before.

IMO CLR works the best.

[retiredguy123]

For the record, before I used the Danco tool, I tried vinegar, CLR, Lime Away, two types of WD-40, and Goof Off. The aerator wouldn't budge.

[TidalWalkers]

If clogged, tie a bag with vinegar around the faucet opening to dissolve deposits.

Contacted Delta, the manufacturer, who said tool was provided with the faucet. Installer probably tossed it. Delta agreed to send another and did. Plastic tool. Good luck. I did the vinegar which worked.