Fought a stuck jib pin for 2 hours until I tried the heat trick

Had a 50 ton Grove that wouldn't let me pin the jib extension. Was out in Phoenix last month and that pin was seized up solid. Tried PB Blaster, a sledge, even a porta-power and nothing budged. Finally my foreman said hit the collar with a torch for 45 seconds and it slid right in. Has anyone else had luck with quick heat on stuck pins or is there a better way?

2 comments

2 Comments

lee68911d ago

Actually, 45 seconds might be a bit long depending on how thick the collar is. You risk heating the pin itself if you go too long, which makes the problem worse because the pin expands. Best trick I've seen is to heat just the collar or housing fast and try to slide the pin while the collar's still hot and the pin stays cool. That way the hole opens up slightly and the pin stays tight. Did you check if the pin was actually scored or just gummed up with old grease and dirt?

nina_taylor11d ago

Man, I feel your pain! Had a Terex in Texas do the same thing, and we ended up using a propane torch on the collar for maybe 30 seconds then tapped the pin with a sledge and it popped right through. Just make sure you keep the heat off the pin itself or you'll be in a worse spot. Did you ever check if there was any corrosion inside the bore after you got it free?