My TK10 is stuck! How do I unscrew it?

[machinus]

I have used my TK10 for a year and the lower two sections are very well stuck together. I have tried shocking the connection and lubricating it but they are still firmly attached. Any ideas?

 

[Yoda4561]

That sounds unusual. Normally the stuck threads only happen on alkaline battery lights. Did you overtighten the light with pliers at one time or use any unusual lubricants on the threads? To get it apart a padded bench vise and strap wrench are sure to work. Vise grips can be used also but take care to pad the jaws properly so you don't scratch the light or crush the tube.

 

[machinus]

I have only ever screwed it by hand, no different lubricants.

I suppose I will try the vise method. Thanks.

 

[kramer5150]

Sounds like your CR123 cells have vented inside.
A bench vise and pipe strap wrench would be my suggestion.

 

[MarNav1]

Boy I hope it's not cold welded inside. Very hard to get apart.

 

[machinus]

I got it apart but I damanged the finish on the battery tube :(

I'm pretty sure it was the batteries.

Is there any way I can refinish the body?

 

[outdoorslight]

it's very hard to repair the surface,maybe spray paint is a way.

 

[machinus]

Is it metal coating or a special paint? It's just a couple of scratches, I'd be willing to take it to a specialist for refinishing...

 

[Yoda4561]

It's a hard anodize. The aluminum parts are dipped in a special bath and an aluminum oxide coating is "grown" on the surface with electrical current. I would just leave the scratches as is, they don't hurt anything but the cosmetics, and I like my lights with a few love marks. Some aluminum blackener or magic marker will serve to disguise the marks if you want.