[CR]Re: seatpost horror

(Example: Bike Shops)

Date: Sat, 26 Mar 2005 08:58:52 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
From: <worthy2@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Re: seatpost horror

Now, I guess the only options are to saw several cuts into the seat post from the inside with a hack saw and hope that the thing just falls apart (a good chance I bet especially if I soak in more ammonia after the cuts are made). Another option is to send it out to have another Columbus tube brazed in... (a good option if anyone would even know which Columbus tube it needs.

I've had some luck with the methods everyone else suggested: ammonia, Kroil, and another penetrant:"Gibbs", air hammer(carefully applied), big old vise and twisting...but the couple times I've had to resort to cutting it out I found a Stanley brand handsaw that allows you to fit a Sawzall-type blade to be the "right tool". These blades are thicker than a hacksaw blade and available in long length for metal cutting, I suggest the bimetal type by Milwaukee or equivalent. These cut faster than a hack and don't fold up on you or flex like a noodle when you apply pressure, although the kerf is a bit wider than a hack blade. You can use a hacksaw to make the final mm of the cut if you feel the need, though I found that it was fairly easy to feel the difference of the quality of the material between the aluminum of the post and stop when I hit the steel tube. YRMV. Good luck...it feels like VICTORY when you finally get the b*stard out of there! Alan Goldsworthy San Francisco, CA