Seized thumbwheel on adjustable wrench

[trenee]

I left one of my adjustable wrenches out in my metal pole barn and it got all rusted up. I think I've gotten all the rust off and out but the thumbwheel is stuck. I've gotten the rest free and have soaked it in Blaster PB but still can't get the tumbwheel to move. The gear is fine...I guess that's what you call it..or pin maybe. I can't figure out a way to get a little more torque on that thumbwheel without damaging it. Any ideas?

Thx in advance

 

[dede2897234]

trenee,

Try soaking the whole head of the wrench in automatic transmission fluid for a few days.


Dave

 

[454ragtop]

Try tapping the thumbwheel with a brass hammer, or even a good sized brass drift, try to shock it a little.

 

[kctyphoon]

trenee,

Try soaking the whole head of the wrench in automatic transmission fluid for a few days.


Dave

Was gonna suggest marvel mystery oil... If people can use it to help un-seize pistons, it may help....

Basically any penetrating oil might help.. A/T fluid might be the cheapest to fill a bowl up with though.

 

[KnurledNut]

The movable jaw may be frozen. As 454 said, try shocking it. You might have to work the jaw back and forth. You might also try grabbing the adjusting wheel with pliers and gently break it loose.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Used Motor Oil will work a lot of the time

 

[Mechanical Noise]

Try tapping the sliding jaw back and forth.

 

[dlcwent]

trenee,

Try soaking the whole head of the wrench in automatic transmission fluid for a few days.


Dave

That has worked for me as well. ATF is a great penetrating oil.

 

[404]

Take the thumb wheel axle out. Clean, etc.