Remove shaft from wood-handled griddle/skillet?

[Neal Birkett]

I recently picked up a fairly nice wood-handled griddle, but it needs a replacement handle.

Although not outwardly rusted, the handle shaft is resisting removal.  I hesitate to twist hard, because it could break off.

I have tried loosening the shaft the with Liquid wrench penetrating oil, applying heat to the boss, and even vinegar in the well for the shaft.

The shaft remains firmly stuck.  Does anyone have any recommendations on loosening it?

[Cheryl Watson]

KROIL.  KROIL.

Best thing since sliced bread.
Can only be bought online from wholesalers...

Boy does this stuff work!

I bought some to use on the Sausage Stuffer I am restoring.  The center spindle was firmly rusted to the pressing plate.   

Tried everything... Liquid wrench, Seafoam Deep Creep, heat....

Tiny amount of Kroil applied to both sides.... 5 minutes later,,,, it was free.   

I have also spent the last 5 weeks fighting with corroded padlocks (long story).  Finally brought out the Kroil....

[Neal Birkett]

Thanks, I will look for it. Neal

[Neal Birkett]

OK, we'll see how it works.  Thanks again.

[Greg Stahl]

Is Kroil something like PB Blaster?

PB Blaster works great on frozen U joints on steering columns (a problem with F150 trucks that are 10 years old). 

I might try the Kroil if it is different, as my steering column could be better.

[Cheryl Watson]

Yes it is different.  I also have PB Blaster which I tried on the Sausage Stuffer above....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F09CF4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Greg Stahl]

yeap, I was reading on some forums and it looks like Kroil is better than PB BLaster.  I'm off to buy some for my truck now.

Damn, this forum teaches you more stuff than......

[Cheryl Watson]

I know... ain't it great?

The guys kept mentioning it here and there....

I finally bought it last fall.... wow!

[Jim Fuchs]

 Just one opinion, but have used Kroil years ago. Hands down THE best available, as Cheryl said. If Kroil doesn't loosen it, it ain't stuck, it's welded. I think they used to claim a "creepage" of 1 millionth of an inch. :o
     In a case of a broken off rod (down inside the piece), if nothing else will work, I have used LEFT handed twist drills. Have to be sure that you're in the center, and use the smallest size possible to start with, gradually increasing if necessary. (careful not to hit the female threads). The combination of the "loosening" direction, and the heat works great! Soak in Kroil first though.

[Herman Gagne]

Jim,
I've used Kroil for years, and the longest it took to loosen the piece was one week; on the 6th day, it wouldn't budge, and on the 7th, it just came off with no effort..kept it soaked the whole time in Kroil.

[Neal Birkett]

Well, the Kroil is on the way.  I will fill the "well" under the wood handle, hang it, and check to keep it full, and wait a week or two.  I am hopeful....

Now, does anyone have a source for freshly turned handles?  Chuck, is that something you do?

[Cheryl Watson]

Hah!  I was Kroiling again this weekend.... (in the marine environment)

Door hinges on the sheds........

Wowsa...... got those puppies unfroze!! (even years after being painted) !

[Fritz Neuhauser]

I see this is an old thread, but I have a Griswold "woodie" CI skillet and I twisted off the long bolt when I tried to take it off. I used a penetrating oil prior to twisting it, but when it came out, I could see there would be very little to no penetration because of how deep into the socket the wood is (like a plug). Jim Fuchs gave a description of how to remove the broken piece which I had already come to that conclusion, but does anyone know if the long I-bolt is a standard hardware item or is it some special order? I'm guessing it is a 1/4 thread.

[Brian Masters]

Fritz- I learned this the hard way too and snapped the eyebolt on a really nice Wagner 9" waffle iron. Unless I'm mistaken, the threads are 1/4 x 18 which is not a common thread size anymore. Unless someone in the forum can direct me to a replacement source, I'm afraid I will have to purchase a die and fabricate the replacement.  :-[