Removing Spring Plungers from Trackspots

I've never actually had to replace them, but of course, now I do and can't seem to figure out how to get them out of the fixture (or back in) without destroying them. Whats the magic method or tool for it?

To adjust i've always just used a vice grip to tighten or loosen, but that seems to destroy the threads at the top of the bottom of the screw.

0 marty postma - Former HES Forum Member over 16 years ago

If you've got a particularly stuck plunger due to rust or too much Lock-Tite you might have to atually drill out the old one....use a bit designed for drilling into steel that is slightly smaller than the plunger and drill it out.....a bench-vise and a drill-press are best for this if this is the case.

Hope this helps. :)
0 bigdarkspot - Former HES Forum Member over 16 years ago

I haven't had to do it yet, but will need to soon.

From what I can tell from the web it appears that Acetone will soften loctite, which may help. The problem is getting the acetone to penetrate through to the loctite that's way down inside the thread bond.

Heat seems to also soften loctite, but may also soften the remaining nylon bits inside the spring plunger (I assume you're planning on replacing the plunger, so that's probably not too much of a problem).

Think i'll try a soldering iron first, then if that doesn't work, try some acetone nail polish remover.

Now if I can find that bag of spring plungers i have laying around.
0 puffyfish - Former HES Forum Member over 16 years ago

www.pic4ever.com/images/403fx8l.gif Needle nose vice grips have been working for me for a long time. It's all about the pressure. Acetone is for chemists and meth labs.:rolleyes:
Just grab 3 threads, adjust it, test it, done.