Un-jamming aluminium tube joints

[salar]

I have a couple of those handy poles which have interchangeable items on the end: boathook, deck brush, net etc. Unfortunately I have left the boathook end on too long and the sleeve is corroded onto the shaft. Is there a clever way of encouraging it to release, or is it a case of applying brute force progressively and hope the joint gives way before the handle or end mangles?

 

[Simondjuk]

Have you tried pouring a kettle full of boiling water slowly over it to get some heat in and disolve the salt simultaneously, then having a go?
It's amazing what it will make let go, even things a 10 ton hydraulic puller alone won't.

 

[pcatterall]

Have you tried pouring a kettle full of boiling water slowly over it to get some heat in and disolve the salt simultaneously, then having a go?
It's amazing what it will make let go, even things a 10 ton hydraulic puller alone won't.

+1 Yes and then give it regular rinse!

 

[Neil_Y]

I've had success with ACF-50 but also on zips encrusted with salt Citric acid (buy the crystals from a brewing shop and make a strong solution)

 

[salar]

Thanks, I'll start with the low tech tip and move on the citric acid if that doesn't work!

 

[salar]

OK, managed to break the unholy matrimony between the two parts using the boiling water method, a cable tie to hold the button down, a vice and a wooden mallet. What do other people to the prevent these aluminium parts corroding up? Vaselene? Yes I know I should rinse with fresh water but that is not always possible.....

 

[bjl]

Perhaps you could try Lanocote (by Forespar)? I've found it pretty useful but, admittedly, in preventing siezing/electrolysis between dissimilar metals (aluminium and stainless steel).

 

[rob2]

I found that using furniture polish on the pole a couple of times a year did the trick. After all, the problem arises from the anodising wearing through, so a substitute coating is required.

Rob.

 

[salar]

Never thought of that, great tip and great forum! Thank you.

 

[nigelmercier]

I use Silicone spray, particularly on zips. Normally to late

 

[savageseadog]

Tefgel or other PTFE based greases

 

[ronsurf]

+1 on silicone spray, but be careful where you spray it. Overspray on your deck or cockpit surfaces can make for a slippery time!

 

[Poecheng]

OK, managed to break the unholy matrimony between the two parts using the boiling water method, a cable tie to hold the button down, a vice and a wooden mallet. What do other people to the prevent these aluminium parts corroding up? Vaselene? Yes I know I should rinse with fresh water but that is not always possible.....

Ha, can't believe it as we have just had the same thing and got nowhere trying to release it (we were away at the time) and ended up having to buy a new Perfect Pole it I was going to use my lovely new collection of brushes

I had tried WD40, 3 in 1 oil and then putting hot water down and soaking it in a bath (Shotley !) and still it was solidly jammed together !.

Could you just explain in more detail how you released it (I understand the boiling water and cable tie bit) Thanks

 

[salar]

I had a telescopic pole which telescoped but the boat-hook end was corroded on (I wanted to fit a knife to reach a rope round the prop). I took the inner pole out, and drilled a hole in some 12mm ply offcut the same size as the pole. I slid the wood down the pole to sit under the boathook plastic end. I then cable tied the button, although if I had a jubilee clip to hand I would have used that because the hot water softened the tie! I gave it a couple of kettlefulls and hoped it all seeped in. I then clamped the tube to my bench and with two hammers tapped the plywood block on each side simultaneously. Continual tapping worked, a big bash didn't have the same effect.

 

[ronsurf]

Whatever you do, do not twist them. It scores the parts and makes it nigh on impossible to separate. Heat and lubricants and force, in that order!

 

[habeer]

I've used Ammonia successfully to dissolve aluminium corrosion - in my case, it was steel bicycle pedals stuck in aluminium cranks. Heat helps, but ammonia carried the day.

Harold

 

[Poecheng]

I had a telescopic pole which telescoped but the boat-hook end was corroded on (I wanted to fit a knife to reach a rope round the prop). I took the inner pole out, and drilled a hole in some 12mm ply offcut the same size as the pole. I slid the wood down the pole to sit under the boathook plastic end. I then cable tied the button, although if I had a jubilee clip to hand I would have used that because the hot water softened the tie! I gave it a couple of kettlefulls and hoped it all seeped in. I then clamped the tube to my bench and with two hammers tapped the plywood block on each side simultaneously. Continual tapping worked, a big bash didn't have the same effect.

Thanks and to the others as well.