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Old 01-13-2006, 03:46 PM
Ian McColgin Ian McColgin is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Hyannis, MA
Posts: 368
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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
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