ruby_rivera76•14d agoProlific Poster

Update: I thought a seized seatpost on that old Schwinn would be a 30-minute job, but the PB Blaster soak, heat, and vise work took almost 4 hours.

Honestly, what finally got it moving was a local guy's tip to use a long breaker bar on the seatpost clamp bolt as a twisting lever, not just more force straight down, so has anyone found a better trick for a truly frozen aluminum-in-steel post?

3 comments

3 Comments

blair_dixon14d ago

My last frozen post was on a 90s Trek. I ended up mixing a 50/50 solution of automatic transmission fluid and acetone, which I saw called "the home brew penetrant" on an old forum. Let that soak for two full days, reapplying every few hours. The real trick was using a pipe wrench on the post itself, but with a scrap of old inner tube wrapped around it to protect the aluminum from the teeth. That combo of the right lube and a better grip finally broke it free.

sarah53114d agoTop Commenter

That inner tube trick is smart. Did you wrap it around the post first and then put the pipe wrench on top? Always worried about crushing thin aluminum with direct wrench force. Also curious if you tried any heat before the ATF mix. Some guys swear by a heat gun on the frame, never the post itself.

piperb936d ago

Tbh that ATF and acetone mix is the real deal. I've had luck with a car's steering wheel puller bolted to the post for a perfectly straight pull.