Horrible Problem--UPDATE!

[BuckleBoy]

Please read my update in reply #66. Hallelujah!

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

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Upgraded Night Vision Monocular Digital Infrared Monocular Telescope for 100% Darkness with 8X Zoom - Grab it through Amazon!

[BuckleBoy]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Here is one nobody has thought about .....

JUST BUY A NEW ONE !!

THANKS!

I have contacted Fisher to ask--no response. If it was just the lower pole, I'm sure that wouldn't be too expensive. Keep in mind that the model I am using is getting close to 20 years old! I don't know if the middle pole assembly is even still available.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A Handbook of Civil War Bullets and Cartridges - Grab it through Amazon!

[Monty]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Take it to the nearest fishing hole and throw it as far out as you can. If you find another one be sure to put some anti-sieze lube on the new ones before you stick them together. Monty

 

[BuckleBoy]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Take it to the nearest fishing hole and throw it as far out as you can. If you find another one be sure to put some anti-sieze lube on the new ones before you stick them together. Monty

I was thinking of burying it at my favorite CW site for the next guy to find.

 

[Kirk PA]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Take it to the nearest fishing hole and throw it as far out as you can. If you find another one be sure to put some anti-sieze lube on the new ones before you stick them together. Monty

I was thinking of burying it at my favorite CW site for the next guy to find.

Or your favorite Colonial site coming up this fall.

Kirk

 

[DONinPA]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

I dont know if this will help or not since im not familiar with the model but try a hardware store and get a pipe extractor, it for removing broken, rusted, shower heads or galvanised pipe. Its a easy out for tubes.. insert into hole at one end and you can get a better grip to work loose...good luck...

 

[bigtim1973]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Why don't you go to an electrician and get him to make you a new pole out of that thin 3/4" aluminum conduit that they bend with one of those long handled conduit benders when they run wire overhead in like a shop or factory. That is basically the same thing a detector rod is made out of and I am sure an electrician would have several pieces laying around of that short conduit and then maybe you could rig up or maybe even epoxy the lower part of the fiberglass rod to the end of it to put the coil on. You would of course have to drill holes for the arm rest and the control housing too. It will not break down but hey you will have a rod to use anyway. Tim

 

[BuckleBoy]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Why don't you go to an electrician and get him to make you a new pole out of that thin 3/4" aluminum conduit that they bend with one of those long handled conduit benders when they run wire overhead in like a shop or factory. That is basically the same thing a detector rod is made out of and I am sure an electrician would have several pieces laying around of that short conduit and then maybe you could rig up or maybe even epoxy the lower part of the fiberglass rod to the end of it to put the coil on. You would of course have to drill holes for the arm rest and the control housing too. It will not break down but hey you will have a rod to use anyway. Tim

The aluminum pole is not connected to the control box. It locks into place with the control box pole (upper pole) just like it locks into the lower pole.


In response to Don in PA, I don't think I'll spend money on a pipe extractor. I managed to get in touch with Fisher and they do have both pieces in stock. I can probably get them for a hair under $50--so I'd rather not spend much on a solution unless it has a good chance of working.

I *may* try to surgically cut the lower pole out from the inside of the middle pole without damaging it. That would save me the most money if I had to order the part (the lower pole is only $12--it's the aluminum middle one that is expensive).


-Buck

 

[deepskyal]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

I *may* try to surgically cut the lower pole out from the inside of the middle pole without damaging it. That would save me the most money if I had to order the part (the lower pole is only $12--it's the aluminum middle one that is expensive).

I think you may have your answer there! Cut a slit along the shaft where the other rod is stuck inside it.
Use a utility knife and just keep scoring it until your through. It'll leave the smallest scar, then get yourself some JB Weld for aluminum, epoxy the hole, wipe off excess and let it set. Then give it a final sanding. If necessary, get yourself some hobby paint and touch it up. Should be darn near invisible.

Al

 

[BuckleBoy]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

I *may* try to surgically cut the lower pole out from the inside of the middle pole without damaging it. That would save me the most money if I had to order the part (the lower pole is only $12--it's the aluminum middle one that is expensive).

I think you may have your answer there! Cut a slit along the shaft where the other rod is stuck inside it.
Use a utility knife and just keep scoring it until your through. It'll leave the smallest scar, then get yourself some JB Weld for aluminum, epoxy the hole, wipe off excess and let it set. Then give it a final sanding. If necessary, get yourself some hobby paint and touch it up. Should be darn near invisible.

Al

Yep.

 

[kindafoundabuckle]

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

PB Blaster ROCKS!!!!! Thats all I use at work !!!!!

KFB

 

[WishfulThinker]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Try "Liquid Wrench - Penetrating Lubricant", If that doesn't get it, nothing will. Just use in outdoor, well ventilated area. May take a day or two, but two large cans should solve the problem.

 

[Frankn]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Buckle boy, look at it this way. you have effectually given yourself the shaft!
Now! Cut off the middle aluminum shaft. Take the lower shaft to Home Depot and fit it to a piece of electrical conduit. This looks like the cheapest way out!

​

 

[spez401]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

how 'bout a liberal soaking/spraying with PB blast? (forget the WD 40- PB is tons better). I've used it on everything from stuck automotive parts, to electrical conduit...

 

[Ray S ECenFL]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Any update on the stuck shaft project?

 

[rsc]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Do not beat on the rods or clamp in a vise, you will crack them. Industrial lube and after removing the coil, run a big screwdriver thru the eye on the lower rod. That way you can stand on it and really pull. It worked for me once. Good luch HH Gayle

 

[BuckleBoy]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Do not beat on the rods or clamp in a vise, you will crack them. Industrial lube and after removing the coil, run a big screwdriver thru the eye on the lower rod. That way you can stand on it and really pull. It worked for me once. Good luch HH Gayle

That's a good idea. I will try it. Thanks!

 

[Frankn]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Just can it and use your XLT!

​

 

[BuckleBoy]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

Just can it and use your XLT!

​

But I don't own an XLT. And a 1266 gets better depth anyhow.

 

[Frankn]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

I think that someone who beggs for settings for a detector he doesn't own has a problem!

​

 

[BuckleBoy]

Re: Horrible Problem--Help Needed!

I think that someone who beggs for settings for a detector he doesn't own has a problem!

​

How many detectors have you used? I was very curious, having used an XLT before, to know how you got 2 feet of consistent depth with the machine.