Tub faucet won't twist, has no set screw. Ideas?

[TurtleDove]

Our bathtub faucet is probably the original (1972!!!) and the diverter is pretty useless so we need to change it out.

Can't find a set screw, and it doesn't budge AT ALL when we try to 'unscrew' it.

Question: If we took a wrench to it, are we in danger of cracking the wall tiles? Hurting the pipe?

There is not grout around where the faucet meets the wall (see photos -- apologize for low light -- took w/ laptop).

Any suggestions to another approach?

Thanks for all kind replies!

 

[Tombstone]

It does unscrew, id try a piece of cloth wrapped around and try with my hands if not a pipe wrench will work but will destroy it. There's a 1/2 inch pipe thread female end on the piece so the pipe may come with it.

 

[TurtleDove]

It does unscrew, id try a piece of cloth wrapped around and try with my hands if not a pipe wrench will work but will destroy it. There's a 1/2 inch pipe thread female end on the piece so the pipe may come with it.

Thanks. I know it unscrews, technically, and of course we tried gripping it with gripper items, but I meant it literally: it does not unscrew. Meaning, doesn't budge. Not a movement. So it sounds like whoever undoes it, will be taking the pipe with them. Kaching. :-(

 

[Stanley services]

Sorry to hear that. Perhaps it may be wise to spray a strong lime scale remover at the rear of the faucet first, followed by some wd40 and wait 24 hours before trying some thing more drastic?