Bianca Pratorius wrote:
> Once again, thanks to all that contributed to my small storage of
> knowledge involving this and other points of classic concern. Just to
> review, the problem is that when I received the Gios from the shop,
> the seat post (SR) was cracked, and after I soaked overnight in
> ammonia, and attempted extraction the seatpost broke one inch below
> the top of the seatpost lug. All advice has been helpful and
> encouraging, but I am beginning to make my cuts with a hand saw handle
> that allows the use of bi-metal saws-all type blades and even though I
> have completed three cuts, there is no extraction yet. My wife says to
> remain "Zen" and just continue in total focus, and eventually a
> solution will come. My hope is to give the post at least four complete
> cuts and then to soak in ammonia again, to achieve the best possible
> penetration of caustic that is possible. Because I have nothing to
> grab onto, I will probably have to plan for an extended campaign. If
> anyone has any advise specific to how to extract a post that has
> broken off below the lug, please feel more than free to offer it, or
> even to offer encouragement.
>
A few approaches that have worked for me in this situation, beyond the
ammonia fix (BTW Thanks Sheldon, my cats are still trying to bury me in
the litter box.)
The bad one first: Hole saw the BB shell to allow a chunk of round stock to drive the darn thing out.
The good: A piece of threaded rod that will extend to the BB shell for attachment of a nut and washer, a little smaller than seat tube id. Use the rod to pull the seatpost remains out, by attaching a slide hammer, tractor or dog team.
The ugly: Lye or NaOH drain cleaner, like Drain-o crystals and small amount of water at a time. _Wear full protective clothing._ The stuff will generate heat and remove paint too.
Marcus Coles
London, Ontario, Canada