Is there a trick to remove the tightening collar?

[Finderskeeper]

I've got an Excalibur II 1000 with a straight shaft that I bought last year.

I've been really careful and wash the inside of the shafts and make sure there is no sand or left over salt water in the shaft.

Now here's my problem. The plastic collars that tighten the shaft and keep it from wobelling are now so loose that it no longer locks after a full turn. It just keeps on turning.

So I want to replace the collars with new ones. I'm pretty mechanical and have replaced headphones and hardwired my other older Excaliburs with new coils. I'm pretty handy.

I for the life of me cannot figure out how to remove those collars. I've tried putting pressure on the little plastic circle to push it in so I can get it past the hole, but they will just not budge.

Anyone have any idea on how to get those collars off without destroying them?

 

[rc2125]

Pretty much self destruct when taken apart, but have been able to re-use. Might call a straight shaft maker and ask them.
With the coil shaft removed, twist all the way counterclockwise, then while pulling and twisting more forcefully counterclockwise should slide right off. I've been able to remove and replace a couple times, but much more than that and the little piece with the barb would probably be shot. Make sure the coil shaft can be re-inserted with the barb piece in place, before sliding the collar back on. Have had to use air compressor to blow/clean out collar sand. Not sure if there is any way to remove them without contorting the barb, ...maybe something like a feeler gauge type tool? Here are some pics to at least show what your dealing with:

*might have set the barb piece in backwards in the picture, note its orientation when freshly taken apart.

If ya can't tell from the picture, the inside of the collar is just kinda oblong, starts out deep and progressively gets shallower, until rotated back to the deepest part again. When rotated, the collar crowds tighter on the barb point, pushing the round portion into the coil shaft.

 

[Finderskeeper]

Thanks for the information. I will probably just have to contact the guy I bought from and see if he sells the collars.....looks like I will have to have to order about a dozen......I often take apart my three part travel shaft and those collars only lasted me about 7 months.

 

[Tarot]

I have replaced the locking collar on my Sovereign, by design you basically destroy the old collar when it is removed. When you purchase the new collar, it will come in 3 parts. The small button piece and two parts to the collar. When you put them onto the shaft, the two collar parts have to be glued together. There is no force needed and it all goes together very easily. Its difficult to explain, but if you have any problems, please send me a message.

Regards Tarot (Bob)

 

[erikk]

If the proper aluminum tubing had been used you would not need the lock collars.

6061t6 7/8 OD .745 ID 4 feet U get the tube at Aircraftspruce.com get @ $3.20 per foot #03 36450.Your lower shaft will measure .744 which makes for a very nice fit requiring no lock nuts. Go to a bike shop and get the long bar ends with the bend $19.95 a pair and pick up a package of foam grip covers (4) for $9.95. Use your arm cuff off your old S rod and the pods for templates to drill the 1/4 holes. Use 1 3/4 x 1/2 SS bolts if U can find them otherwise get 2 inch and grind them down. Use SS wing nuts on the pods and a SS/nylon lock nut on the cuff. I usually remove about 6 inches from the 4 ft length so I can put much more lower up in the tube for more strength
If U don't use the tubing from Aircraft spruce all bets are off
HH
erikk

 

[adam in cal]

If you pound it real hard with a 25 pound sledge-hammer it should explode into a million pieces, this will also more than lkely crush the shaft as well..............Its a delicate operation......good luck...

 

[jbow]

I guess I should try to get a replacement. I also broke one of the clips off my rechargable battery pack but as long as the other one holds it is no problem. I tried to glue it back but no success there.

I'd suggest that everyone remember to only tighten the shaft lock enough to hold it steady because it seems they all tend to strip out if over-tightened.

Maybe I should invest in a lighter rod anyway... maybe a Ridgerunner!

J

 

[erikk]

I guess I should try to get a replacement. I also broke one of the clips off my rechargable battery pack but as long as the other one holds it is no problem. I tried to glue it back but no success there.

I'd suggest that everyone remember to only tighten the shaft lock enough to hold it steady because it seems they all tend to strip out if over-tightened.

Maybe I should invest in a lighter rod anyway... maybe a Ridgerunner!

J

Make your own-it's a no brainer and for under $30.00 with no lock nuts!