Frozen Turnbuckles

[mfair]

I have a couple turnbuckles that have frozen. I don't see and evidence of overt galling and would like to get them turning if I can.

Can you list any techinques I can try to loosen them again?

Heat, Cold, Pentrants...

thanks,

Michael

[Ian McColgin]

Ahoy there,

Given the reference to galling, I take it you're referring to stainless turnbuckles, though these remarks apply to bronze as well.

I'd put them in a bucket of penetrating oil (or even gasoline) for a week or so, maybe gently rapping them every day or so. I think any tapping should be in line with the stud, not circular. It's just to jostle the threads.

After a week, if they still won't loosen with a safely modest level of torque, try gentle heating the barrel right around the threads, one end at a time. I'd not make it hotter than you can at least hold your finger to for a few seconds. The idea is just to let the metal expand a little, not change the molecular structure. Again with the tapping.

At some point you may decide to apply major Norweegen Steam with the idea that if it breaks or is over stressed, at least you're done with it.

G'luck

Ian

[Brian Duff]

What do you suppose caused them to become 'frozen' ?
Weather they are stainless body or bronze T/B's,corrosion, galling or over loading all cause damage to the threads and increase risk of failure.
The threads of the T/B can strip out from these sorts of stresses and leave you un-Screwed.
Don't risk it, Get another T/B if possible.