Horrible Problem--UPDATE!

BuckleBoy · Jul 20, 2010

Please read my update in reply #66. Hallelujah! :headbang:

Hello All,

Does anyone have any experience getting a lower pole assembly un-stuck from the upper pole assembly? I have a Fisher 1266-XB (breakdown model), and when I packed it in its case, I snugged the lower pole up into the middle pole (as is supposed to be done in order to pack it up). It is stuck--and I mean, unbelievably stuck.

The last time I used the detector was in a wet pasture, with some tall grass, and I neglected to wipe the lower pole before I pushed it up inside the middle part. I imagine that some grass seed or other muck worked its way in between the two fiberglass poles.

What I have tried:

whacking the pole on the end with a hammer to dislodge it.

putting the lower pole into a vise and pulling on the middle pole

heating the middle pole (aluminum one) with a blow torch then trying to pull the lower pole (fiberglass) out

squirting WD-40 into the adjustment holes, as well as the top and bottom of the middle pole at the plastic bolts

soaking the poles in Hot soapy water and trying to pull them apart again.

freezing both overnight, then heating the middle pole with a hair dryer and trying to pull the lower pole out.

I am thinking at this point I might have to try and find someone that has a middle and lower pole assembly for sale. Does anyone know if Fisher still keeps parts for these detectors in stock?

Any ideas on how to get 'em freed up?

Thanks in advance,

Buckles

bigtim1973 · Jul 20, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Have you tried putting the fiberglass end of the rod in a vice and then try rotating the aluminum outer rod with a pipe wrench or something similar? Like twisting it back and forth?

BuckleBoy · Jul 20, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

bigtim1973 said:
Have you tried putting the fiberglass end of the rod in a vice and then try rotating the aluminum outer rod with a pipe wrench or something similar? Like twisting it back and forth?

Yes, and the end of the fiberglass rod nearest the aluminum pole is twisting too--even though the end of it is clamped in a vise. I am still applying penetrating oil and hoping...

spartacus53 · Jul 20, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Have you tried WD-40 :icon_scratch:

Iron Patch · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

BuckleBoy said:
I will keep applying the penetrating oil and tapping.

Hill Billy · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

I have a like new 1266XB that I'll sell you, then you can use yours for parts.
Let me know if that works for ya.

WishfulThinker · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

I assume the pole is removed ... if not remove it and clear off any hardware.

Make a soaking tray out of heavy duty aluminum foil and a couple bent coat hangers for top ring and support frame ... obviously couple layers thick.

Soak the entire shaft in penetrating oil .. submerge it with weight if needed. Gently tap it each day until it frees up ... then silicone lubricant or graphite (second choice) should prevent that from occurring again.

Make absolutely certain that the shaft will not corrode/oxidize and is properly painted/coated. I use Clear Spray Paint. Probably some type of corrosion in tube from lower shaft being wet (your tall grass field) when collapsed -- almost like gluing things together.

Lowbatts · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

ivan salis said:
----put in clamp vertically --spray WD 40 in the holes in the upper shaft (by doing it vertically gravity and time are your freinds )-- then duct tape a "vibrating type tool" to lower shaft ***run the tool non stop to make the lower shaft "viberate" within the upper shaft which hopefully will break up the "binding" effect thus allowing the WD 40 to get in there and loosen it up so it will come apart .

Yep, sonic action would be preferred to thermal shocking the unit. Frozen/heated components can generate fractures that grow quickly with stress if they are not of a suitable material. Good luck!

ivan salis · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

using cold then hot or vice versa can cause --rapid temp change -stress cracks --from compression (cold makes it shrink) / expanding (heat makes it expand) -- the rapid change can cause stress cracking and make the metal brittle afterwards as well -- since the metal loses its "temper" :wink:

i stayed awake in science class

spartacus53 · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

ivan salis said:
using cold then hot or vice versa can cause --rapid temp change -stress cracks --from compression (cold makes it shrink) / expanding (heat makes it expand) -- the rapid change can cause stress cracking and make the metal brittle afterwards as well -- since the metal loses its "temper"

i stayed awake in science class

I may have missed that day, but I guess it's akin to the human body that contains iron in the bloodstream. I can tell you this, I have gone from hot to cold, cold to hot on many occasions and I still haven't lost my "temper". :laughing7:

Maybe that doesn't hold true in every scenario :dontknow:

ivan salis · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

yes spartacus --but ever try to pee outside when its -20 degrees ? thats shrinkage caused by cold -- however laying out on a warm sunny beach with scanty clad co eds about --that expanding --(caused by the warmth of a hot co ed)

however coming into a warm place from the cold often makes men have to go. --ah science !!!

TerryC · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Wrap the joint with a cotton cloth. SOAK the cloth with industrial strength penetrant. Hang the unit by rope and add a weight onto the bottom unit. Wrap at the lower unit near the joint with a wooden hardwood dowel. NOT hard but substantial. Should work after a few minutes. Let the penetrant soak in. Hope this does it. TTC

Monty · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Well? Monty

Kirk PA · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Well, time for a new machine, eh? :laughing9:

Good luck, Buck, with getting it un-stuck. :icon_thumleft:

Kirk

kindafoundabuckle · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Tape 3 or 4 M-80s around it, light then run for cover and pray. That should do the trick. If it dont work you will have a cool story to tell anyway. I got you covered bud.

KFB

BuckleBoy · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

TerryC said:
Wrap the joint with a cotton cloth. SOAK the cloth with industrial strength penetrant. Hang the unit by rope and add a weight onto the bottom unit. Wrap at the lower unit near the joint with a wooden hardwood dowel. NOT hard but substantial. Should work after a few minutes. Let the penetrant soak in. Hope this does it. TTC

This sounds like a good idea. Now...how to suspend the poles without putting pressure on the plastic lock nuts (which cannot be removed).

I have applied penetrating oil, and tapped/whacked on the middle rod--and it still will not budge.

deepskyal · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

When all else fails us at work on stuck stuff, we use a product called PB Blaster. It's an industrial lube and soaks into the most corroded stuff you'd imagine.

Al

fathead · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Are both poles hollow? Could you use compressed air or a pressure washer toapply pressure from a different angle? I am grasping at straws here.

-Fathead

BuckleBoy · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

fathead said:
Are both poles hollow? Could you use compressed air or a pressure washer toapply pressure from a different angle? I am grasping at straws here.

-Fathead

Yes. Both poles are hollow. If not, I'd have hooked it up to an air compressor and shot the lower pole across the room.

Still applying oil and tapping, but losing faith.

ivan salis · Jul 21, 2010

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

seal all the holes on the poles with wraps of duct tape -- cut a hole in one of the top end pole holes then apply air pressure to blow em apart .