Parks Graflex disassembly. Advice needed!

[HEILANDER]

Hope this is in the correct category. I've had this old V1 Parks Graflex for well over a decade, and am finally getting around to working on it. Only problem being, I need to disassemble it and the red button *will not budge* and never has. Why would this be?

I'm keeping the 'Beer tab' as this is going to be an ANH saber, so if this is somehow stopping me unscrewing the button, it's a bit of a problem. But from what I've gathered, it should just unscrew whether it's a vintage or a replica.

Unless I'm missing something really obvious, the next stage will be finding a tool to apply more leverage which also does not damage the knob. I'm terrified!

Anyone have any insights?

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

It does unscrew, it’s possible there is some metal corrosion causing it to stick. I would try using a penetrating oil right at the base of the button to soak the threads for a few hours and then twist like hell. It should break free.

 

[HEILANDER]

It does unscrew, it’s possible there is some metal corrosion causing it to stick. I would try using a penetrating oil right at the base of the button to soak the threads for a few hours and then twist like hell. It should break free.

Will definitely try this. I've already put in a lot of elbow grease to no avail. My thumb and fingers are killing me. Hopefully your suggestion works.

On the offchance it doesn't, does anyone have any recommendations for a tool that will tightly grip the button without damaging the plating?

 

[PoopaPapaPalps]

On the offchance it doesn't, does anyone have any recommendations for a tool that will tightly grip the button without damaging the plating?

A vice or wrench with some wood chocks in them.

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

I’d try some soft-grip pliers like these: 10 in. Adjustable Soft-Jaw Pliers

 

[osufan24]

Or try a washcloth wrapped around it and a regular pair of pliers. Should protect the finish and give you some more torque to break it loose.

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

You could also try using 1/2 inch masking tape and start wrapping it around the red button until you build up to at least 1/8 inch thickness and they try some regular pliers.

 

[Captain Dunsel]

WD-40 should be your friend for this issue.

Spray it into the joint between the red button and flash body…let it sit for 1/2 hour…repeat again…use a terrycloth rag to grip the red button and give it a twist…if it fails, spray it again and let it sit for 1/2 hour and try again.

If there is an adhesive that has been applied to the red button…like JB Weld…the WD-40 will break it down…the same if there is “gunk” in the red button threads that has caused it to seize-up.

Best of luck.

 

[Halliwax]

I have strips of rubber roofing I use, I wrap that around the button and use pilers

You may be lucky and get away with just using a thick rubber glove and turning it by hand

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

“When in doubt, C4”- Jamie Hyneman

 

[Halliwax]

Any luck with breaking this free?

 

[4str0m3ch]

“When in doubt, C4”- Jamie Hyneman

"If C4 doesn't work, try more C4." - Wade Wilson, probably.

 

[HEILANDER]

Any luck with breaking this free?

Still procrastinating/working on multiple projects at once. I'll update you guys on whether the C4 WD40 works.

 

[Halliwax]

Still procrastinating/working on multiple projects at once. I'll update you guys on whether the C4 WD40 works.

 

[HEILANDER]

Well, so far I'm not having any luck. It's so tight, I have some serious doubts the WD40 is permeating the thread.

I did consider creating a sort of 'well' around the button out of Blu Tack to allow the WD40 to pool and soak the thread rather than just running straight off the Graflex, but WD40 dissolves Blu Tack...

 

[HEILANDER]

Well the Blu Tack was a non-starter. Pretty much as soon as it's sprayed on, the WD40 dissolves through the Blu Tack wall and seeps through underneath. I also spent most of yesterday applying WD40 with no discernible difference.

I'm waiting for a pair of soft grip pliers to arrive from amazon and using those is going to be nervewracking. If I don't get results, I may have to abandon my plans and just have it be a static hilt. (I wanted to make it a bladed wall display light)

 

[Darthmagpie]

I dont know if this ok to do on a graflex but you could try the pickle jar trick. Throw it in the freezer so everything contracts. Then run hot water on the tube so the tube threads expand while the button threads are still contracted. Keep pressure on the unscrewing for that moment when the threads are most in opposition. I feel like this stuck button is a representation of everyone's struggles and we NEED you to unscrew this thing,lol

 

[Halliwax]

I dont know if this ok to do on a graflex but you could try the pickle jar trick. Throw it in the freezer so everything contracts. Then run hot water on the tube so the tube threads expand while the button threads are still contracted. Keep pressure on the unscrewing for that moment when the threads are most in opposition. I feel like this stuck button is a representation of everyone's struggles and we NEED you to unscrew this thing,lol

I’ve done the freezer trick a few times, I also use this stuff on locked up automotive parts. Works incredible

Amazon.com

 

[HEILANDER]

I may well try the freezer trick in conjunction with the soft pliers I've ordered. One thing to note is that this button has been stuck ever since I bought it over a decade ago, which at the time I assumed was normal. It does make me wonder if, due to some flaw, mine has been epoxied on, either by Parks or the reseller I bought it from.

Has anyone else had similar issues, specifically with v1 Parksabers?

It does make me feel like giving up and just getting a different Graflex for my wall display. I really don't want to butcher this one as, from what I've gathered, these are not only rare now, but fairly accurate as Graflexes go. Certainly more accurate than his v2 versions.