gfletcher Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 Hi Guys After selling my 10" Reflector OTA i now use a de-forked Meade LX10 OTA. Tried to extend the telescopic legs on my HEQ5 tripod to give more height to the mount but all 3 legs do not want to move. They have probably been in their original position for 10 years, Any suggestions on the best method of freeing them? thanks Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Ibbo Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 up end the tripod and squirt a bit of wd40 into the gap leave it a few days to penetrate and it may free it also undo the clamp bolts and if you caxn remove the plug and squirt a bit down there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAZ Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 Try warming them up with a hair dryer on the hottest setting, this will cause the outer leg to expand faster than the inner and it might break the seize. I wouldn't try it with anything hotter as it might melt the plastic parts. Garnish with WD40, it will help it seep in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan the Plumber Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 hit it with a hammer (just kidding) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAZ Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 Tapping it with a rubber mallet wouldn't be a bad idea, just go easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stash Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 Putting them in a vice,one by one, protected by soft wood / rags and only grip just enough to hold them steady while you turn them might work especially if you have used wd40 as above replies have suggested. A bit like car brakes if you don't use it for a long period - hence i use 1st gear not the hand brake (on level ground) when parked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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