I have a large Varmac ferruled reel seat. The lock nut is jammed and won't unscrew. Any tricks for getting this apart without causing damage?

I might spray it several times with WD40 or penetrating oil...let it sit....spray it again and then tape up the jaws of my channel locks to protect the seat and try to get it off that way.

If it is saltwater corrosion you may have a bigger problem.

Have you tried strap wrenches on it? One placed on the nut and one on the seat. You will have zero chance of marring the seat with the straps.

Have you tried strap wrenches on it? One placed on the nut and one on the seat. You will have zero chance of marring the seat with the straps.

I have not tried strap wrenches. I padded my vice and taped a pair of channel locks and applied pressure. I didn't want to mar any surfaces so I stopped before doing any damage. Do you think soaking in vinegar for a couple days or using kroil and heat might free it up?

I have used kroil for maintaining guns. I think that if you already have the kroil it would definitely be worth a try, however I would apply a couple of times over a period hours (better yet days).

kroil is the best stuff I have found for getting thing apart that have corrosion . I have soaked ferrule for a few days and had them come right apart.

Hello Martin.

I'm with David, the Kroil does a very good job of breaking corrosion.

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Automatic TRANS fluid , will also dislodge the corrosion as well, COKE [ SODA POP] also
good luck

William Sidney
AK

The stuff in coke that breaks rust ,corrosion is Phosphoric acid which you can buy at a lot of hardware stores and then you don't have the sugar to deal with.

I live an learn, thanks Dave

William Sidney
AK

Hello,

I had almost the exact same dilemma posted here:

[rodbuilding.org]

As you can see, it seems that once corrosion sets in/around the ferrule any chance of the parts being seperated goes down.

If, however, the parts are just tightly fitted w/minimal to no corrosion, you might have a better chance.

-chad

to cool it down ?? there is a spray can of CKT cooler used in Electronic repair , will get down to
-20 to -30 F real fast you can control it also. any Electronic supply jobber should have it
there are other names but all do the same thing not sure about Radio shack but could , will sit on
the shelf a long time like years , you can control it also real easy

William Sidney
AK

How did you do with this Martin?

Is there any thing that can be put on to SLOW or maybe PREVENT this form happening ?? On the mail in the female and on the threads

Bill - willierods.com

If problem is saltwater corrosion, I use vinegar,

HEINZ sells a cleaning vinegar that is 6% acidity.

Much stronger than regular vinegar.

This is a manufactured product.

Not for human consumption.

bit late posting an opinion on how to resolve a common problem, try WD40 if you gt it over there, let it soak over night, if that does not work, next try pouring hot water over the ferrule then try and pull apart, this will quite often work and does not impact on any metal components.
cheers roz.

FISHING IS NOT A MATTER OF LIFE & DEATH.....IT'S MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT.