A tub shower remodeling kit can refresh worn handles or help repair a leaky faucet, but the right choice depends on the faucet brand, stem type, and parts included. These kits are made for specific older faucet models—not for every tub and shower valve. Compare the compatibility details before you buy, and decide whether you need new handles only or a more complete rebuild kit.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Made for | What’s included or notable | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danco 3-Handle Trim Kit for Price Pfister Verve | Price Pfister Verve | Chrome-finish, three-handle trim kit | Replacing compatible Verve-style handles and trim |
| Danco 39696 Cross-Arm Rebuild Kit | Price Pfister Contempera and Contessa | Stems, seats, handles, flanges, sleeves, and socket wrench | A more complete repair of a compatible three-handle valve |
| hansengroe 3-Handle Remodel Kit | Price Pfister Verve | Black finish, stems, seats, handles, flanges, nipples, and socket wrench | A compatible Verve faucet needing a rebuild and a different finish |
| Danco Central Brass 3-Handle Kit | Central Brass faucets | Brass stems, seats, nipples, flanges, handles, and socket wrench | Repairing a compatible Central Brass faucet |
| Danco 81428 Price Pfister Verve Handle Kit | Older Price Pfister Verve faucets | Three chrome-finish handles with flanges and flange nipples | Restoring compatible handles without replacing the valve parts |
Our Picks: Best Tub Shower Remodeling Kit reviews
Best straightforward Verve-style refresh: Danco 3-Handle Trim Kit
This Danco kit is designed for Price Pfister Verve three-handle tub and shower faucets. Its chrome-plated finish and knob-style handles offer a familiar look for a bathroom with an older three-handle setup.
The supplied product details are limited, so check the package contents and compatibility information before ordering. In particular, don’t assume this trim kit includes replacement stems, seats, or other internal valve parts. If you’re trying to stop a leak, a handle refresh alone may not address the cause.
Compared with the Danco 39696 and the hansengroe kit below, this is a simpler option for shoppers focused on Verve-style trim. It makes the most sense when your existing faucet is compatible and you mainly want to replace worn-looking handles and trim.
Pros:
- Designed for Price Pfister Verve faucets
- Chrome-plated finish suits a classic bathroom look
- Three-handle knob style matches traditional faucet layouts
Cons:
- Supplied details don’t confirm which internal repair parts are included
- Compatibility should be checked against your faucet before purchase
Verdict: Choose this kit for a compatible Verve faucet when your priority is a chrome three-handle trim refresh, not a confirmed full valve rebuild.
Best detailed rebuild set for select Pfister faucets: Danco 39696
The Danco 39696 is a rebuild and trim kit for select Price Pfister Contempera and Contessa three-handle tub and shower faucets. Its listed contents go beyond decorative handles: the set includes hot, cold, and diverter stems, three seats, handles, flanges, sleeves, and a socket wrench.
The handles have a cross-arm design with white porcelain and chrome details. The stems are described as brass, and the kit is intended for specified faucet series and stem dimensions. Those details make this a more involved repair option than a handle-only set, but they also make careful model and measurement checks important.
This kit is not described as fitting every Pfister faucet. The product information specifically warns that it does not fit 4-1/4-inch Pfister stems. If your faucet’s model or stem size is uncertain, identify it before ordering rather than relying on the brand name alone.
Pros:
- Includes stems, seats, handles, and other listed rebuild parts
- Socket wrench is included for the repair
- Brass stems and metal handles are specified
- Classic cross-arm look with white porcelain and chrome
Cons:
- Fits only specified Price Pfister faucet series and stem dimensions
- Cross-arm styling may not match a bathroom with modern lever handles
Verdict: Pick the 39696 when you have a compatible Contempera or Contessa faucet and need the listed internal parts as well as new trim.
Best black-finish rebuild option for compatible Verve faucets: hansengroe
This hansengroe set is described as a rebuild kit for Price Pfister Verve three-handle tub and shower faucets. Its black finish gives it a different appearance from the chrome and porcelain options, while the listed package includes hot, cold, and diverter stems, three seats, handles, flanges, nipples, and a socket wrench.
The product information identifies brass stems and plastic handles. That combination may suit shoppers who want the listed internal replacement parts along with a black-finish update, but it differs from kits that specify metal handles. Compare the supplied measurements and part details with your existing faucet before ordering.
The listing notes that this kit resembles several other remodeling kits but differs in size and brand. That is a useful reminder not to choose by appearance alone: confirm the faucet model and stem fit. Compared with the Danco Verve handle kit, this option lists more internal rebuild parts, but it also has a more specific fit requirement.
Pros:
- Lists stems, seats, handles, flanges, nipples, and a socket wrench
- Black finish offers an alternative to chrome
- Designed for Price Pfister Verve three-handle faucets
- Brass stems are specified
Cons:
- Plastic handles may not be preferred by shoppers seeking metal handles
- Similar-looking kits may have different sizes or brand compatibility
Verdict: Consider this kit if you’ve confirmed a compatible Verve faucet and want a black finish with the listed rebuild components.
Best listed rebuild set for compatible Central Brass faucets: Danco
This Danco kit is made for Central Brass three-handle faucets. Its listed contents include hot, cold, and diverter stems, three seats, brass nipples, flanges, and handles, plus a socket wrench. The product details describe brass construction and a chrome finish.
Unlike the Pfister-specific options in this guide, this kit is aimed at a different faucet brand. That makes brand and model confirmation especially important. A similar three-handle layout does not mean that stems or other internal parts will fit across brands.
The product data lists this item as unavailable. Availability can change, so check its current listing before making plans around it. If it remains unavailable, use the part information to look for a compatible replacement rather than assuming another brand’s kit will work.
Pros:
- Lists stems, seats, handles, flanges, and brass nipples
- Socket wrench is included
- Chrome finish and brass construction are specified
Cons:
- Designed for Central Brass faucets, not a universal fit
- Listed as unavailable in the supplied product data
Verdict: This is a promising parts list for a compatible Central Brass faucet, but check availability and exact fit before choosing it.
Best handle-only restoration kit for older Verve faucets: Danco 81428
The Danco 81428 is a three-handle restoration kit for older Price Pfister Verve-style tub and shower faucets. It includes hot, cold, and diverter handles, along with three handle flanges and flange nipples. The handles have a chrome finish and metal construction.
This is a trim-focused option, not a complete valve rebuild kit. Its compatibility details specify Price Pfister stems with particular Danco IDs and a 12-spline fit. Check those details against your faucet before buying; if you’re repairing a leak, you may need compatible internal parts in addition to new handles.
Compared with the other Verve options here, the 81428 gives a clearer parts list for handle restoration, while the hansengroe kit lists stems and seats for a more extensive rebuild. Choose based on the repair you need, not just the shared Verve name.
Pros:
- Includes all three handles, flanges, and flange nipples
- Metal handles and chrome finish are specified
- Compatibility details include stem IDs and spline information
- Designed for older Price Pfister Verve-style faucets
Cons:
- Does not list stems or seats among the included parts
- Specific stem and spline fit must be confirmed
Verdict: Choose the 81428 to restore compatible Verve handles when the valve parts are already in good condition or are being sourced separately.
How to Choose a Tub Shower Remodeling Kit
Match the kit to your faucet brand and model
Start by identifying the faucet maker and, if possible, the model or series. The kits here are intended for specific faucets, such as Price Pfister Verve, Contempera, Contessa, or Central Brass models. A three-handle layout alone is not enough to confirm fit. Look for a model mark, old packaging, or part number, and compare it with the kit’s compatibility details.
Know whether you need trim or a rebuild
A handle-and-trim kit replaces visible parts such as handles and flanges. A rebuild kit may also include stems and seats, which are internal components. If you want a cosmetic refresh, a trim-focused set may be sufficient. If your faucet leaks or its controls do not work properly, check whether the kit includes the repair parts your faucet needs; new handles alone may not fix an internal problem.
Check stem size and connection details
Stem length, part number, and spline count can affect whether a handle or stem fits. Some of the product descriptions specify stem IDs or dimensions, and one explicitly excludes a particular Pfister stem size. Compare those details with your existing parts before ordering. If you can’t confirm a match, consult the faucet maker or a plumbing professional rather than guessing.
Review every listed part in the package
“Remodel kit” can refer to different things. One set may include handles and flanges only, while another lists stems, seats, nipples, sleeves, or a socket wrench. Read the included-parts list closely and make sure it covers the work you plan to do. Don’t assume that every kit includes the same components.
Choose a finish and handle style that suit your bathroom
These options include chrome, white porcelain-and-chrome, and black finishes, along with knob and cross-arm handle styles. Consider how the new trim will look next to your existing fixtures. Also check the listed handle material if durability or a particular feel matters to you; the supplied details identify metal handles on some kits and plastic handles on another.
Plan for the repair and installation
Even when a socket wrench is included, installation depends on the faucet and the condition of its existing parts. Shut off the water supply before beginning work, and follow the kit instructions. If a stem is stuck, damaged, or difficult to identify, avoid forcing it; getting help can prevent damage to the valve or surrounding plumbing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tub shower remodeling kits universal?
No. The products in this guide are made for particular faucet brands, models, or stem types. Confirm the match before buying, even if your faucet has the same number of handles.
Will a new handle kit stop a tub or shower faucet from leaking?
Not necessarily. A handle-only kit replaces visible trim, while a leak may require internal parts such as stems or seats. Check what the kit includes and identify the source of the leak before choosing a repair set.
What is the difference between a trim kit and a rebuild kit?
A trim kit generally focuses on visible parts such as handles and flanges. A rebuild kit may include internal components like stems and seats. Product names can vary, so use the included-parts list to understand what you’re buying.
How can I identify the right replacement stems?
Look for a faucet model or part number, then compare it with the kit’s stem IDs, dimensions, and other fit details. If the existing stems are accessible, take note of their markings and measurements. Ask a plumbing professional for help if you can’t confirm compatibility.
Can I use a Price Pfister kit on a Central Brass faucet?
Don’t assume so. The kits listed here are brand- and model-specific, and parts that look similar may differ in size or fit. Choose a kit that explicitly matches your faucet.
Do these kits include everything needed for installation?
Not all of them. Some list stems, seats, handles, and a socket wrench, while others list handles and trim parts only. Review the package contents and check whether you have the tools and replacement parts needed for your particular repair.
Final Recommendation
For a compatible Price Pfister faucet that needs more than new handles, the Danco 39696 stands out for its clearly listed stems, seats, trim parts, and socket wrench. For a Verve-style handle refresh, the Danco 81428 provides a specific three-handle trim set, while the hansengroe option lists more rebuild parts and a black finish. The best choice depends on your exact faucet and whether you need cosmetic trim or internal repair parts—confirm fit before ordering.
