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Stuck saddle post

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colinJG Offline
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Joined: Sep 2009
Post: #1
 
Hi i have a problem with my saddle post, as it is stuck wont come up wont go down, any idears how to free it.
Sep 10, 2009 04:10 AM
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Joe_W Offline
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Post: #2
 
This is one of the worst things that can get stuck, it is even "more fun" than a thread on freewheel that won't come off. My suggestion would be to follow:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/stuck-seatposts.html
good luck, you need it.
Sep 10, 2009 04:45 AM
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marathon marke Offline
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Post: #3
RE: Stuck saddle post
This is truly the most powerful product I have ever found for metals that seize to each other:
http://www.pbblaster.com/PB_Blaster.html
Mar 5, 2010 08:47 PM
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jr14 Offline
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Post: #4
RE: Stuck saddle post
Most of the time my response is, "So, you needed a new frame anyway right?"

Just kidding. It is possibly the hardest thing to get unstuck.

I usually skip steps 1 and 2, involving trying to turn with the saddle attached (Which can bend the rails), using a pipe wrench with rubber padding (Which can deform the post), and go straight to 3.

I wrap the post in a cold compress, for about 25 minutes, or as long as the compress will stay cold, and then get the CO2 cartridge and blast it. The entire cartridge. And usually that's enough to shrink the metal to the point you can take it out.

I usually go to a kitchen supply store or a paintball shop to get the cartridges. But since this is likely the only time you'll be doing this, just buy a couple from the LBS.

Dedicated scholar of bicycles
Mar 6, 2010 08:21 AM
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Bill Offline
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NorthEast,USA
Posts: 1,298
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Post: #5
RE: Stuck saddle post
You have a picture of your bike you can put here in the forum? Or list the make model?

Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true!
Mar 6, 2010 07:25 PM
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Joe_W Offline
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Post: #6
RE: Stuck saddle post
I have to search the archives of the frame builder mailing list, there was a discussion some days ago, I think I remember that the solution was (for steel "welded" to aluminum) applying ammonia to it. It will dissolve the aluminum but not touch the steel.
Mar 7, 2010 02:41 AM
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jr14 Offline
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Post: #7
RE: Stuck saddle post
The ammonia trick works, but only if there is sufficient space between the seat post and the frame. if its REALLY corroded and stuck in there, there may not be room for the ammonia to do its thing.

That, and the ammonia you buy at the hardware store is an aqueous solution, since ammonia boils at -28 Fahrenheit, and the oxidation of the aluminum releases hydrogen, and if the OP smokes, this might not be a great idea in the basement.

From what I understand, quite a lot of hydrogen is given off, and it's not like you can smell it, its colorless and odorless, so you would be looking at a situation where a well ventilated area is required.

My two cents? Sacrifice the seat post and squish it in a bench vise, then turn the frame ever so slowly back and forth to release it. Seat posts are cheaper than frames. Well, some are.Big Grin

Dedicated scholar of bicycles
Mar 7, 2010 04:35 AM
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Bill Offline
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NorthEast,USA
Posts: 1,298
Joined: Sep 2009
Post: #8
RE: Stuck saddle post
With everything said above I am wandering what kind of Bike it is because of the type of frame. If it is a lower end MTB frame then there is bottom access which would help immensely. Could do a combination of the ammonia or pbblaster (depending on the metal make-up), hair dryer and CO2, then quickly yank like hell method! That don't work vise time!

Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true!
Mar 7, 2010 06:19 AM
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marathon marke Offline
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Posts: 36
Joined: Mar 2010
Post: #9
RE: Stuck saddle post
I've never heard of the ammonia method before. Good to know!
Mar 7, 2010 11:46 AM
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