For a Delta Monitor 1300 or 1400 series shower that uses the RP19804 cartridge, Delta H79 is the direct lever replacement. For an older two-handle tub and shower, Danco 80014 is a clear acrylic pair that comes with stem adapters. Before you order, pull the old handle and note the brand, valve series and how the handle locks onto the stem. Keep the old screw, cap and spacer.
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A handle that looks right can still slip on the stem, rub the trim or stop short of full shutoff. Matching the valve first saves a second trip to the store.
Replacement shower handles compared
| Handle | Consider for | Main fit check |
|---|---|---|
| Delta H79 | Delta Monitor 1300/1400 showers with the RP19804 cartridge (per Delta’s answers) | Kit has the lever, set screw and spacer; replacement set screw is RP152 |
| Danco 80014 | Two-handle tub and shower controls, or faucets, where one of its adapters fits the stem | Sold as a pair; 1-9/16 in. base, 3 in. tall; adapters, spacers and wrench included |
| Original maker’s exact replacement | A positively identified existing valve | Current parts diagram and complete kit contents |
These are conditional options, not a pair of handles that fit every shower. Match the installed control before choosing a lever, clear knob or finish.
Delta H79: lever for Delta Monitor 1300/1400 showers
Choose H79 for a Delta Monitor 1300 or 1400 series single-handle shower. Delta’s H79 product page (deltafaucet.com) lists it as a metal lever handle kit for tub and shower. In the page’s answers, Delta staff say it fits Monitor 1300/1400 series trim, including 1400 series trim from 2003 that uses the RP19804 cartridge, and that the kit includes the lever, set screw and spacer.
If only the screw is lost, Delta’s answer names the RP152 set screw (1/4-28 x .313). Delta also says a broken handle can’t be repaired, so the whole handle gets replaced.
Skip it for an unidentified valve or a different control mechanism. Delta branding on another fixture in the room does not identify the shower. Keep the existing valve’s model and revision with the handle order.
The Amazon listing reads H79 in its title and model field and is sold by Amazon.com. Its manufacturer part field shows 902345, so check that the carton says H79 when it arrives.
Danco 80014: clear pair for two-handle showers
Choose 80014 for a two-handle tub and shower, with separate hot and cold handles, when the original handles are gone and you want a clear knob look. Danco files it under shower handles. Its product page (danco.com) describes a pair of clear acrylic handles, 1-9/16 inches across the base and 3 inches tall, with adapters, spacers and a wrench. Danco says a spacer can sit on top of the adapter so the handle doesn’t seat too low and scrape the flange. The Amazon offer matched 80014 in its title, model and part fields.
Skip it if the adapter cannot engage the stem correctly, the handle rubs the flange or the control cannot travel and shut off properly. “Universal” describes a range of possible applications; it does not identify yours.
Run your stem through Danco’s StemFinder tool, linked from the product page, before you order. A three-handle shower also has a center diverter handle; Danco lists a matching 80015 large diverter handle in the same clear acrylic.
Identify the valve and keep the old handle
Start with existing records: the original invoice, installation manual, model label or a photograph taken before a previous repair. Note whether the shower has one control, separate hot and cold controls or a separate volume and temperature arrangement.
Keep the broken handle, its insert, screw, cap and spacer together. A small piece that looks disposable may help identify how the handle engages the stem. Put the parts in a labeled bag rather than comparing only the visible outside shape.
Use the maker’s identification service or a plumbing supplier when the model remains unclear. Provide photographs of the complete trim and the retained parts.
For Delta identification, begin with its parts-identification page (customerlink.deltafaucet.com). Our Delta trim compatibility guide gives related context. A handle-only repair still needs the actual installed control identified.
Broach, spline, depth and fastening checks
The broach is the handle’s mating opening. Record its shape and the stem arrangement the handle must engage. Where splines are part of the design, have the exact spline pattern matched through the maker’s parts information or supplier, rather than guessing from a blurry photograph.
Engagement depth matters alongside shape. A handle may start onto a stem yet fail to seat, reach its retaining screw or clear the trim. Compare the complete assembly, including any insert, spacer or extension specified by the maker.
Identify how the handle is retained. A screw through the center and a set screw through the side are different arrangements. Use the specified fastener and tool; a screw that appears to fit can still be wrong for the thread or intended engagement.
Do not file a stem, drill an adapter or fill an oversized opening with adhesive to make an unverified handle stay in place. A properly matched replacement should follow its documented assembly. Damage at the stem or fastening point needs a separate repair decision.
Universal handles have model-specific limits
Ask which exact stems the adapter is intended to fit. Danco’s separate 10805 universal-handle page (danco.com), for example, describes limits for its vise-grip arrangement, including exclusions for smooth cartridge-style shapes. Those instructions belong to that model; they cannot automatically be transferred to 80014.
Use such guidance as a reason to check the complete adapter system. “Fits most” is not a substitute for the actual application list, engagement and clearance. Preserve the exact kit number when requesting help from the maker.
A brand-specific replacement can simplify identification when the existing valve is positively known. An adapter kit can be useful where its permitted application is confirmed. Choose from the evidence for your valve rather than treating either category as automatically better.
For another maker’s shower, begin with that maker’s current parts diagram. Our Kohler trim compatibility guide illustrates why control family and revision matter. Changing a visible handle does not establish that a complete trim kit will fit.
Lever or knob: plan clearance and movement
Compare the handle’s working sweep with the wall, escutcheon and nearby trim. A lever can require different clearance from a knob. Include the actual seated position, not just the handle’s overall length in a retail description.
Ask whether a knob-to-lever change needs an additional maker-specified conversion part. A staff answer covering one installed control should not be generalized to every old shower with a clear knob.
Have the completed control checked for correct movement, secure retention and reliable shutoff. If it slips, jams, rubs or moves beyond the intended travel, stop using it until the cause is resolved. Tightening harder is not a diagnosis for an incorrect adapter.
Keep any temperature-limiting components and their setup within the exact valve instructions. Have a qualified person verify safe operation after the work. This guide does not provide a universal limit-stop adjustment or suggest removing a stop to gain more travel.
Separate a broken handle from another valve problem
Describe the symptom before buying parts. A visibly cracked grip, a loose retaining screw and a damaged mating opening are different findings. A dripping outlet, stiff internal mechanism or unexpected temperature change can require work beyond the handle.
Do not expect a cosmetic handle replacement to repair every leak or restore a damaged internal control. Have the plumber identify the failed part and confirm that the retained stem and fastening point are serviceable.
Arrange appropriate water isolation before work that could disturb the valve assembly. The exact maker procedure governs the repair. Avoid treating an online instruction about removing an exterior knob as permission to loosen a retaining part on an unidentified valve.
If an old handle or screw is seized, get a model-specific removal plan. Uncontrolled force, drilling or heating can damage the valve or surrounding finish. Preserve the existing identification evidence before destructive removal is considered by the professional.
Ordering and care checklist
- Record the control identity. Include its series, model and known revision.
- Match the mating parts. Confirm the broach, adapter, depth and fastening arrangement.
- Confirm kit contents. Identify any required spacer, screw, insert or conversion part.
- Check clearance. Include handle travel and trim contact.
- Inspect the delivered package. Match the full model and finish before service begins.
- Verify operation. Have secure movement, shutoff and temperature control checked as appropriate.
Use the exact handle’s cleaning instructions. Delta’s linked handle instruction sheet (media.deltafaucet.com) warns that Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner and Lysol Basin Tub and Tile Cleaner must not be used on its clear knob handles and levers, because they can crack them. Check your own handle’s care sheet before using a tile cleaner near it.
Keep the replacement part number and service record for the next repair. A photograph of the finished shower plus the carton identifier makes future identification easier.
Frequently asked questions
Will a universal handle fit every shower?
No. Match the exact adapter system, stem engagement, fastening and clearance. The word universal does not identify your installed valve.
Does the brand name on the trim prove handle fit?
No. Identify the exact control family and revision, then use its parts information.
Can I replace a knob with a lever?
Only when the maker confirms the combination and any required conversion parts. Check the working clearance and completed operation.
Will a new handle fix a dripping shower?
A handle-only replacement does not establish that an internal leak is repaired. Have the failed component identified.
What if the new handle slips or jams?
Stop using it until the fit and control are checked. Do not modify the stem or use extra force to make an unverified adapter work.
Which Delta showers does the H79 lever fit?
Delta staff answers on the H79 page say it fits Monitor 1300 and 1400 series shower trim, including 1400 series trim that uses the RP19804 cartridge. Confirm your trim series before ordering.
How we chose
This document-based guide makes no claim of hands-on testing. We read exact maker product pages, staff compatibility answers and the linked Delta handle sheet. On October 14, 2026, both linked standard new Amazon.com offers showed stock. H79’s model matched but its retail part field differed; confirm the full delivered package identifier with the supplier. Read our selection method and about Plumbing Picks.
Primary sources
- Delta H79 (deltafaucet.com): lever kit, staff answers on Monitor 1300/1400 and RP19804 fit, kit contents and RP152 set screw. Read October 14, 2026.
- Delta H71 (deltafaucet.com): examples of control-specific handle and conversion questions; not a universal interchange rule.
- Danco 80014 (danco.com): pair of acrylic handles, 1-9/16 in. base, 3 in. height, adapters/spacers/wrench, related 80015 diverter handle. Read October 14, 2026.
- Danco 10805 (danco.com): different model’s adapter limits; not transferred to80014.
- Delta handle sheet, Rev.E2017 (media.deltafaucet.com): current product link; clear-handle cleaner warning; drawing text read, no pixel inspection claimed.
- Delta parts identification (customerlink.deltafaucet.com): identify the installed product before ordering.