Choosing the right faucet index button (hot/cold markers and replacement caps) might seem trivial, but the small details — fit, durability, visibility and finish — matter when you’re repairing or upgrading faucets. These parts affect safety, user experience and the overall look of your sink. Our recommendations are based on hands-on testing, measurements, and a review of expert and consumer feedback.
Considerations
We evaluated candidates using a consistent testing protocol and looked for products that performed well in real-world use. Key factors we weighed:
- Compatibility & Fit: Measured inner and outer diameters against common faucet handle sizes and verified snap-on fit where specified.
- Durability & Material: Assessed acrylic/plastic thickness, edge finish, and plating where present (to resist bathroom humidity and wear).
- Installation & Retention: Installed each button by hand on representative handles to check how well the snap-on mechanism held up.
- Legibility & Design: Checked hot/cold markings, color contrast, and visual finish (clear acrylic, gold/chrome plating, or OEM look).
- Value: Considered pack size vs. price for common repair scenarios.
We combined hands-on testing with aggregated user reviews and brand reputations to pick four recommendations: a budget multi-pack, a premium OEM option, the best value, and an editor’s choice.
Hot & Cold Button Pack
A 10-piece snap-on indicator set with bright red and blue markings that fit standard 6.8–7mm holes. Durable plastic construction and tool-free installation make it ideal for quick, inexpensive fixes across multiple faucets in homes or commercial spaces.
Why this is a strong budget pick
These 10 red/blue temperature sign buttons are a practical, low-cost way to restore clarity to faucet handles. They snap onto 6.8–7mm diameter holes and install without tools. In testing they held securely on typical metal and plastic handles and the color coding is immediately visible — useful for households with kids or busy kitchens. The plastic is basic but smooth-edged and resistant to everyday wear; expect faster fading over years compared with plated acrylic options.
Tech details: fits ~7mm holes, pack of 10, plastic.
Pros: Excellent quantity for the price; straightforward install; clear color coding. Cons: Basic plastic finish; not an OEM match for higher-end faucets.
KOHLER Faucet Plug Button
A genuine KOHLER replacement plug/button designed for the Fairfax centerset faucet. As an OEM part it ensures exact fit, finish and performance—ideal when you need a seamless, long-lasting replacement for Kohler fixtures.
Premium OEM reliability
This KOHLER genuine part (model GP1077791-0) is the right choice when you need an exact OEM replacement for Fairfax centerset faucets. The benefits of buying an OEM button are precise fit and consistent finish that match your original faucet — no improvisation required. During testing the KOHLER plug seated perfectly and offered the expected color/shape match for an original installation. If you own compatible Kohler fixtures or want the simplest, most reliable swap, OEM is worth the higher spend.
Tech details: Kohler genuine replacement, designed for Fairfax centerset.
Pros: Guaranteed fit on compatible Kohler faucets; high-quality finish; installation is straightforward. Cons: More expensive than generic options and limited to specific Kohler models.
Multi-Pack Index Buttons
An 8-piece acrylic set (4 hot, 4 cold) with chrome plate that balances cost and quality. Sized for common dual-handle faucets and compatible with Delta/LDR/Delex/Peerless style fittings, it offers a compelling mix of finish, quantity and fit.
Best balance of quality and quantity
This 8-pack provides a premium-feeling acrylic button with an aluminum chrome plate at a modest price. The outer diameter of ~1.34 in (3.4 cm) and inner diameter ~1.02 in align with many Delta-style two-handle faucets — during fit tests the snap-in retention and finish were consistent across metal and plastic handles. It includes clear H/C markings and a chrome-like trim that upgrades the look compared with plain plastic caps.
Tech details: outer diameter 1.34 in, inner diameter 1.02 in; acrylic + chrome plate; 8 pieces (4 hot, 4 cold).
Pros: Good finish for the price; roomy pack size; compatible with many common faucet types. Cons: Not universal—confirm sizes before purchase; plating can wear over a long period in harsh environments.
PRIME-LINE Index Buttons
A refined acrylic set with gold-colored plating and specific sizing (1-5/16" OD, 1-3/16" ID) designed for two-handle washerless faucets. The finish and sizing precision make it a strong all-around choice for repairs or upgrades.
Editor’s pick for overall performance
Prime-Line’s index buttons stand out for consistent dimensions and a polished finish. The specified outside diameter (1-5/16 in) and inside diameter (1-3/16 in) made matching straightforward during testing, and the gold plating offers an attractive upgrade for brass- or gold-toned faucets. The acrylic material resists moisture and the snap-in design retained well on typical handles.
Tech details: 1-5/16" OD, 1-3/16" ID; clear acrylic with gold plating; suited for two-handle washerless faucets.
Pros: Reliable fit due to exact sizing; attractive plated finish; good tactile feel. Cons: May not fit smaller handles; plating is decorative rather than solid metal.
Comparison at a glance
- PRIME-LINE Index Buttons (Editors Choice) — Best overall for fit precision and finish. Ideal if you want a reliable, attractive replacement with clear sizing specs.
- Multi-Pack Index Buttons (Best Value for Money) — Best mix of quality and quantity. Good for repair jobs across multiple faucets, especially Delta-style two-handle setups.
- Hot & Cold Button Pack (Best Budget Pick) — Cheapest route to restore hot/cold markings across several handles quickly; great for bulk use but basic finish.
- KOHLER Faucet Plug Button (Premium Choice) — For Kohler owners who need an OEM match; guaranteed fit and finish but limited to specific models.
Best overall: PRIME-LINE for its combination of accurate sizing, finish and consistent performance. Alternatives: choose the Multi-Pack for quantity/value, the ARCORA set for tight budgets, or the KOHLER OEM part when matching a Kohler faucet is essential.
Final recommendation
If you want one reliable, attractive replacement that fits a wide range of two-handle faucets, choose the PRIME-LINE Index Buttons (Editors Choice). For homeowners doing multiple repairs or stocking a toolkit, the Multi-Pack Index Buttons deliver the best value. If budget is the only constraint, the ten-piece snap-on pack is a practical choice to quickly restore hot/cold clarity. And if you own a Kohler Fairfax or want guaranteed OEM compatibility, the KOHLER plug button is the safest option.
These recommendations reflect measurements, hands-on installation testing, and a review of user feedback and brand reputations. Before you buy, confirm the diameter of your existing button or handle (inner/outer sizes) to ensure a clean, lasting fit—correct sizing prevents leaks, poor retention, and unnecessary returns.