Trimixdivin
Contributor
Any one have any suggestions for removing a frozen environmental cap on an apeks first stage. It is not budging with my spanner wrench. My fault for not servicing it for 8 years
Removing frozen caps on Apeks 1 st stage
- Thread starter Trimixdivin
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CWK
Contributor
If it is a metal cap, try pouring a kettle of hot water onto it. Heat expansion might free it.
Soak it for a few days then alternate freezer then hot water. It sometimes helps to try tightening it first which can break the seal
I was going to suggest try tightening then loosening. A trick that works with screws and bolts that are seized is to try loosening while tapping it with a hammer or tapping on the end of the screwdriver while loosening. I would be hesitant to hit a reg hard but you might try to tap the top with a rubber mallet gently while trying the spanner if you are completely out of options.
Do not lose your temper on it and apply too much force damaging the cap. Persistence will eventually pay off.
Squirt some of the best penetrating oil under the threads and let it soak in at least overnight. Don't bother with cheap wd40 stuff go for a proper one.
You can also put the whole first stage in an very hot ultrasonic bath
You can also put the whole first stage in an very hot ultrasonic bath
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Any joy?
I find this tool gets a better "grip" and doesn't slip. Added bonus can be used on multiple brands.
Universal Captive Pin Spanner
I find this tool gets a better "grip" and doesn't slip. Added bonus can be used on multiple brands.
Universal Captive Pin Spanner
Bob DBF
Contributor
1) Freezer and then hot water (freezer part my be unnecessary I usually just stick entire first stage in an Ultrasonic cleaner with heater)
2) Put body in a vice (use rubber sheet to protect it)
3) Use pin spanner with rubber mallet carefully. I use two pin spanners, one on body and another on environmental cap as they can sometimes come off in one piece.
That Universal Pin Spanner that @buddhasummer posted looks great. I will have to pick one up.
2) Put body in a vice (use rubber sheet to protect it)
3) Use pin spanner with rubber mallet carefully. I use two pin spanners, one on body and another on environmental cap as they can sometimes come off in one piece.
That Universal Pin Spanner that @buddhasummer posted looks great. I will have to pick one up.
This is also a great pin spanner for Apeks regs. It snap onto the cap which reduced the chance of slipping.
First Stage Spanner Wrench
First Stage Spanner Wrench
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