Gaggia(996530037144) 4332037000 Portafilter Handle

Easy to instal but, did not include the bottom cap. I had to use WD40 penetrating oil to loose the screw that attaches the plastic handle to the metal cup.

As it has been noted previously, the replacement of the Gaggia Classic portafilter handle can be frustrating.First, after removing the end cap from the original handle, you need a "bolt driver" or a socket wrench with an extension long enough to reach the bolt from the end where the cap is removed. The socket (I think it's 10mm) also needs to be narrow enough in diameter to fit inside the handle. The removal of the single bolt that holds the handle to the portafilter would be far more manageable if they used a phillips head or slotted screw.The next issue is the previously reported complication of the potential for the bolt to be corroded. This was exactly my condition and when loosening the bolt with a socket wrench and extender, I broke the bolt off into the portafilter.I had a screw/bolt extractor handy but I failed in extracting the bolt. I ended up inadvertently drilling into the bolt and creating a whole ALMOST as big as the original. At this point I was resigned to the likelihood that I was either going to need to replace the entire portafiler with handle, or at best, slather the inside of the new handle with a marine epoxy and permanently attach the handle without a bolt.Before I did that, however, I traveled to home depot and got a 3 Pack of #10 1/2" screws which I found would half-assed thread into the sloppy hole that I drilled.The screw wouldn't thread into the portafilter very deeply so I added a hard plastic washer on the inside of the handle. With a long philips head screw driver I was able to securely attach the handle tightly to the portafilter.We'll see if it holds for awhile cause the handle gets tugged around pretty aggressively. After pulling 4 shots it's still good.

Luckily the 6Mx1 thread screw came out, but it galled. I bought a Tap to "chase the threads." We bought Anti-Sieze compound to coat the threads to prevent corrosion and galling. (I'd never put the unit in the dish washer)We replaced the steel screw with a Stainless Steel screw.To remove a broken screw, first file the exposed end flat. Center-punch. Drill through with 1/8" drill, then with larger sizes until all that's left are threads. Then pick out the threads. Then chase with a tap.Another option is to drill out to #3 or 7/32 or 0.213" diameter, then tap out with a 1/4-20 or better yet, a 1/4-28 tap. Use a stainless steel screw and anti-sieze!Another alternative is to drill out the old screw, and install a 6Mx1 "Helicoil"Helicoil Repair Kits including some helicoils and the appropriate tap to do the "thread repair"Use a stainless screw, and anti-seize.For someone with the tools and time, cut and shape a piece of hardwood to fit perfectly inside the handle; drill a hole all the way through it and use a long screw (100 or 110mm) to secure the handle and plug. It reduces the strain on the plastic where screw normally holds the handle on the casting.NO DISH WASHING. Aggressive detergents are bad for the aluminum and promote electrolytic corrosion between the aluminum casting and steel screw.Did I mention using thread anti-sieze compound?4 star because I couldn't use the OEM end cap, and the handle didn't include one.

Seller promised to send missing end piece, it was never received. Price is high for the product. Three times the regular cost but this was the only vendor that had availability, so you think they would be better at customer service.

Perfect OEM replacement! You will need a deep sock 10mm with an extension I believe.

One thing I love about the Gaggia is how easy it is to repair. This handle is no exception. The reason why I got rid of two stars is because of a dumb design flaw.The screw that you use to attach the handle is hex vs Phillips, etc. This wouldn't be a big deal if the handle wasn't five inches long. I don't have a ratchet set with extender that long and I can't get a pliers in there too manually screw. I had to use a Dremel to cut a slot in the screw so that I could use a screwdriver. Just dumb.

quality is tops

I like that my Gaggia has spare parts available, but whoever makes these handles needs to get their manufacturing process and material composition dialed in better. How did my first handle last ten years and these only last a matter of months?