Need advice from someone with a brain ...

LarryW · 07-30-2011, 06:27

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

Snaquebite · 07-30-2011, 06:40

OK...are you saying the lock sleeve will not unscrew?

LarryW · 07-30-2011, 06:44

It'll unscrew alright ... but, with Channel Locks

Snaquebite · 07-30-2011, 06:58

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.

LarryW · 07-30-2011, 07:03

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.

Snaquebite · 07-30-2011, 07:06

Use graphite....

**Team Sergeant** · 07-30-2011, 07:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryW

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.