[Milsurplus] [ARC5] Stuck WWII Connectors.

[Robert Downs]

As has been said or indicated throughout this thread, the black phenolic insert is not "stuck" in the same sense that for example a screw that has been in a nut for decades may be stuck.  The cast phenolic absorbs moisture over decades and swells so that the original light push fit has become an interference fit.  No amount of Kroil, graphite, or any other penetrant or lubricant will help.  It may in fact make matters worse.  Removing the retaining screw and baking in a 200 degree oven for one to three hours is AFAIK the simplest solution.  The only other method that might work would be a vacuum chamber.  But it would probably take months or years instead of hours.

The only other method that works (which I used to do all the time before Dave figured out the oven fix) is to make a proper receiver and removal tool and press the insert out of the sleeve with an arbor press.  Then mount each insert in a lathe and reduce the diameter by 0.002 to 0.004".  This method does work but takes time for each one and requires that you have a good lathe with near zero runout and good reflexes.  And in 30 or 40 years, you would probably have to do it again.

Robert Downs

-----Original Message-----
From: milsurplus-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:milsurplus-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of W2HX
Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2020 17:43
To: B. Smith; milsurplus at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] [ARC5] Stuck WWII Connectors.

Graphited or non-graphited? Kano Penephite, Kano Aerokroil or SiliKroil?

Eugene