Save me before I wreck my spreader

Barquito · #1 (**permalink**) 10-17-2011

I will be storing my mast on deck this winter, so I can work on it, and to make a winter cover. The spreaders are in the way. I took one off, but the other is stuck. What can I do to break it out w/o destroying the spreader. It is actually a reasonably beefy round section tube. Chemicals, physical force, profuse swearing?

JedNeck · #2 (**permalink**) 10-17-2011

How is it attached?
If it's bolted try one of the penetrating oils like WD-40 or PBblaster. If they still won't let go drill them out...you need new ones anyway.

BELLATRIX1965 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-17-2011

I would try moderate heat, carefully applied. Heat should expand the aluminum tube, but you have to be quick - before the mount that the tube slides onto heats up and expands as well.

BubbleheadMd · #4 (**permalink**) 10-18-2011

Kroil. Google it.

RobGallagher · #5 (**permalink**) 10-18-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by BubbleheadMd

Kroil. Google it.

Amazing stuff. Everyone should have a can on board.

CapnBilll · #6 (**permalink**) 10-18-2011

Do I read this right? Is the coroded section aluminum. Be carefull try to disolve as much as the corrosion as possible before forcing it. Aluminum galls and can make the situation worse. I have had moving aluminum parts refreeze and become permanently bonded from galling.

Barquito · #7 (**permalink**) 10-18-2011

It is an aluminum tube inserted into a cast (aluminum I hope) fitting on the mast. The only thing that keeps the spreader in the fitting is a pin (has been removed). The other spreader just about fell out after removing the pin. This one appears to be corroded. Do I heat the fitting or the spreader?
I'll look into the Kroil.

Thanks.

LandLocked66c · #8 (**permalink**) 10-18-2011

A rubber mallet and a good pipe wrench? Tap the housing and tube a little, then see if you can twist the tube inside the housing to break the bond of corrosion - Then wiggle out... That's how mine came out...

hellosailor · #9 (**permalink**) 10-18-2011

PBlaster or Kroil. Kroil has to be mail-ordered, PBlaster is sold in retail chains. Both chemically attack the corrosion, unlike WD40 which is just a lubricant.

Also buy a "strap wrench" at any auto partsor plumbing store. It has a rubbery strap at the business end, so it can wrap around pipes and round spreaders to grip them without chewing tooth marks into them. $10 should buy one that's good enough.

LandLocked66c · #10 (**permalink**) 10-18-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Also buy a "strap wrench" at any auto partsor plumbing store. It has a rubbery strap at the business end, so it can wrap around pipes and round spreaders to grip them without chewing tooth marks into them. $10 should buy one that's good enough.

Yep, i'd try the strap wrench first!