[TowerTalk] Taking Apart Aluminum

[ABowenN4OO]

I have used several methods with varying degrees of success. Mother 
Nature's adhesive is pretty powerful stuff.

1. WD40 and PB Blaster seem to pentrate pretty well. You can enhance the 
penetration sometimes by heating the outer piece lightly. Go easy so that 
you do not destroy them tempering of the aluminum or cause the penetrant to 
evaporate.
2. Heat the parts and then immediately spray cold water on the surface. 
Sometimes this is enough to loosen the part enough to get the penetrating 
mix further in.
3. Use a piece of aluminum rod or tube that will fit inside the outer 
piece. Tap lightly so that you do not flare the edges of the inner piece 
and cause futher interference problems. Sometimes, I have been able to find 
a piece of PVC pipe to use as a ram rod. This seems to work better than 
aluminum on aluminum, depending on length.
4. Use a 12-24" piece of PVC pipe that fits over the smaller diameter tube. 
Ram the larger piece by forcefully sliding the PVC against the edge of the 
larger diameter tubing. I have had reasonable good success dislodging 
tubing using 1" and 3/4" PVC pipe. If the edges of the PVC pipe get 
rounded, saw (or file) off a small piece and establish a fresh, square end. 
Rotate the tubing while banging away with the sliding piece of pipe.
5. Frequently, the end of the tubing will be out of round. In this case, 
you are better off just cutting off the eccentric portion and then trying 
one of the above.

INK N4OO