40 years of aliminum touching stainless

Pub911 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009

Any creative thoughts on how to get a stainless steel allen-style set screw out of a threaded aliminum collar? I'm trying to replace the shaft of the dawg and reuse the knob. It's the knob that has the set screw in it. I'd really prefer not to drill it out but realize that may be inevitable.

Conventional goop has not helped and i've bent 2 allen keys 180 without a budge. Thanks all.

(and yes, that's supposed read "aluminium" in the title...can't seemt to find a way to edit that)

scottyt · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009

first you can edit titles in advanced mode

try heat and cold, heat with a torch then let cool then freeze it with computer duster up side down then heat, try a bunch of cycles.

hellosailor · #3 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009

Try PBlaster, it attacks corrosion, it is not just WD40.

If that doesn't work, packing the parts in a slush made of chipped dry ice and alcohol is a good way to freeze it enough to break corrosion. Freeze then rewarm to room temp with a heat gun, 3 cycles should break any bonds.

Usual warnings, about frostbite, fire, care working with that stuff. But it can be wonderfully effective and safe.

Pub911 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009

appreciate the guidance, folks....will let you know.

tnc110 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009

get a rachet driven allen bit...put the bit in the set screw and smack it with a hammer...this too will help break up the seize.

GaryHLucas · #6 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009

WHEN you get it out (thinking positive) DON'T put a new one back in dry. Use blue (removable) Loctite on the threads. Loctite is catalyzed by the metal ions prsent in a threaded joint. That's why it won't set up in the bottle, or on the deck, but will cure in the threaded joint. By sealing out all water it keeps electrolysis from destroying the parts.

Gary H. Lucas

Pub911 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009

thanks, Gary.

hellosailor · #8 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009

"Loctite is catalyzed by the metal ions prsent in a threaded joint. "
I thought they had told me it was oxygen or moisture that set it off--because it also goes bad in the bottle after maybe two years, it definitely has a limited shelf life. (All the Loctite flavors, IIRC, not just the blue.)