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Old 07-30-2011, 06:27   #1
LarryW
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Need advice from someone with a brain ...

Years ago I acquired this Army trenching tool. It's my most favorite piece of fieldgear because (aside from a sapper-spade I don't own) performs most edged tool functions I normally need around the house or campsite.

Some dumbell (won't mention any names but his initials are M.E.) decided to oil up the mechanism. ("WD-40 makes everything better!") Soon as the stupid deed was done it became obvious that the stupid deed was done.

I need suggestions on how to un-screw this problem. (Disassembly and kerosene, soap and water, etc?)

Please...(trying to get in push-up position now)



Shovel 2.jpg

Shovel 3.jpg
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Old 07-30-2011, 06:40   #2
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OK...are you saying the lock sleeve will not unscrew?
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Old 07-30-2011, 06:44   #3
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It'll unscrew alright ... but, with Channel Locks

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Old 07-30-2011, 06:58   #4
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If you are having to use channel locks to loosen it, why are you tightening it so much?

Do the shovel an pick fold down?

WD40 should not have caused a problem. There maybe something in the threads causing the problem. (dirt/grit or a piece of shaved metal from the threads) Unscrew the sleeve and try cleaning the threads and flushing the inside of the sleeve with a cleaning solvent (kerosine/gas) then re-oil....

Also check to make sure the sleeve is not cross threading...

can't think of anything else....do...just looked at mine and I don't think disassembly is possible.
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Old 07-30-2011, 07:03   #5
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I'll do it. Not cross threaded and I don't think there's any metal shavings loose, but the WD-40 seems to have encouraged the normal dirt, etc to congeal in the threads.

Agree that disassembly doesn't appear to be possible. Will scrub it with kero and soap/water, then let it dry out in the sun.

I think the secret is to not use any oil at all. I think it's one of those things that's supposed to rattle.

(I feel like an idiot...)

Thanks for the tips.
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Old 07-30-2011, 07:06   #6
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Use graphite....
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Old 07-30-2011, 07:18   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LarryW View Post
I'll do it. Not cross threaded and I don't think there's any metal shavings loose, but the WD-40 seems to have encouraged the normal dirt, etc to congeal in the threads.

Agree that disassembly doesn't appear to be possible. Will scrub it with kero and soap/water, then let it dry out in the sun.

I think the secret is to not use any oil at all. I think it's one of those things that's supposed to rattle.(I feel like an idiot...)

Thanks for the tips.
Neg on the rattle. That is an Infantrymen's second fav tool, (rifle is number one) and it does not rattle when secured properly.
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Old 07-30-2011, 07:19   #8
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Use graphite....
Or molybdneum disulfide dry lube, commony refered to as Moly-Lube. The problem you have is from the dirt that the WD40 captured. Try running hot water over it while you "ratchet" it back and forth.....loosen/tighten it. The hot water will release the congealed oil/dirt and will also cause the sleeve to expand and help free it up.

Good Luck!!
Martin
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Old 07-30-2011, 07:28   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ambush Master View Post
Or molybdneum disulfide dry lube, commony refered to as Moly-Lube. The problem you have is from the dirt that the WD40 captured. Try running hot water over it while you "ratchet" it back and forth.....loosen/tighten it. The hot water will release the congealed oil/dirt and will also cause the sleeve to expand and help free it up.

Good Luck!!
Martin
Good point Martin...almost forgot about the old HOT water method...the hotter the better....
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Old 07-30-2011, 08:02   #10
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We always kept the threads for the e-tool (it's "entrenching" tool) screw-sleeve locking mechanism 'dry' - we'd clean them with hot water, dry them, lube them with our weapon lube (the white, goopy stuff) and then wipe the threads 'dry' (as with the bolt of an M-16) to prevent the accumulation of dirt or sand or rust or locking up in extreme cold weather.

MOO, the intermediate e-tools like yours (wooden handle w/spade and pick) were the best - the older models didn't have the pick and the newer all metal or mixed metal/plastic didn't offer the same 'heft' when digging or chopping. But that's just personal preference on my part and experience with all three types.

From what I can tell in your pics, it looks as if you need to take a file to the edge of your e-tool and sharpen it some as with any shovel. Some basic maintenance goes a long way in having a good tool like that one - and a clean, sharpened (but not like a knife blade), and lightly lubricated shovel makes for a much better tool.

Richard
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Old 07-30-2011, 08:23   #11
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No one mentioned compressed air. After cleaning it with soapy hot water blow the moisture and remaining grit out.
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Old 07-30-2011, 10:47   #12
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It worked!

Cleaned it, flexed the locking nut, and dried it out.

Started with Starting Fluid spray to clean it up, Then worked the locking nut up and forth to free it up. Then scrubbed it using a BBQ grill brush and toothbrush, and windshield washer fluid. Then rinsed the whole thing off and let it air dry. I would have used compressed air if I had the capability. It's a good suggestion. I'm going to let the sunshine work on it some more, then, when it's dry. I'll give a little bit of graphite. I don't have the white goop (which is best).

Richard, you're right about the heft and feel of this entrenching tool. Has always been far superior to any of the later versions. I've had this tool for 30+ years and just recently made the mistake of trying to fix what wasn't broken.

Now that it's clean, I can go from shovel-to-pick in about 12 seconds. Without Channel Locks!

Thanks to everyone for the help. As usual at PS.com there's no bad gouge. (TS is right...no rattles is best.)

Shovel 4.jpg Shovel 5.jpg
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Old 08-16-2011, 14:34   #13
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WHICH IS BEST? for lube & CLEANING?

You choose one of the three that I will list along with their web-sites& phone #
1. Militec-1 a synthetic metal conditioner: www.millitec-1.com 301-893-3910 or 877-222-5512.

2. EEZOX a synthetic cleaner & lubricant...prevents rust & fingerprints, no oily film-dry to touch. www.eezox.info or call 1-800-350-8999

3. Tech*Shield Elite: Dry Lubricant. Tec-Team Speciality Chemicals. LLC 1-800-700-2530 web-site www.tseliteclp.com

Look up the products and read the instructions and choose the one you think is best.

Regard's, Tom Kelly
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