How hard can a torch be to open!

[jar_uk1]

I am looking to acquire a custom divers umbilical torch (an old design) from a friend. it has 2 clips at the top and a webbing strap between each clip. The body of the torch is stainless steel and it has a halogen (50w 24degrees?) light in the head with a rotating switch on the handle to turn off and on. The top of the torch where the clips are is plastic/delrin?

problem is i cannot get the bl**dy thing open! I unclip the clips and pull but nothing happens, even 2 of us pulling against each other does nothing - zip! nada zlich, it aint moving. No it is not a screw down...

Anyone got any advice as to how to get one of these open? it hasnt been used for a while. I need to get it open to confirm the batteries dead, what type they are and find out about replacing them before i agree a price for the torch. and the top needs removing before I can charge the batteries anyway!

John R

[wilbo]

I am not familiar with the CD torches - but if its just two clips holding the lid onto the body of the cannister (presumably with an Oring for the seal) then I would be tempted to 'persuade it slightly' with a 'glancing' tap to the lid from a rubber mallet.

[MATTBIN]

Sounds like some gas has escaped into the torch then 'shrunk' so creating a bit of a vacuum, so a good seal still exists (unless its all corroded of course). Try immersing (not fully) into hot water for a while and see if the increase in internal pressure pops the lid off.

Matt

[recurve]

I bet it's the one I just sold

Warm the whole can up in some hot water to increase the internal pressure, put on some soft soled shoes, trap the body between the soles of your shoes and pull like hell.

Failing that, if you are VERY careful, you can use a screwdriver between the two halves of the clips to lever apart, work from the side of the clip with the screwdriver widthways on. Do a small amount at a time and alternate sides.

I found that assembling mine when it was very cold and dismantling it when it was warm was the best way to do it, this increases the pressure differential as much as possible.

HTH Phil

[jar_uk1]

Thanks for all the suggestions, but the top remains resolutely on the cannister. I have tried tugging, immersing in hot water, even pouring boiling water carefully over the cannister body (while not touching the top). then pulling.

It aint moving...

I am worried that if I pull too much, the screws holding the webbing handle to the top will break, but I guess if that happens the top really is not going to budge.

Ah well Maybe I will just have to buy a decent NEW torch for the first time ever!

It gets one last chance, someone in our club had one and is used to it being a little "tricky" to undo, so he has kindly offered to have a go at it next week.

John R

[MATTBIN]

just a thought, how about sending it back to CD and asking them how to open the damn thing?

Matt

[wilbo]

Originally Posted by jar_uk1

Thanks for all the suggestions, but the top remains resolutely on the cannister. I have tried tugging, immersing in hot water, even pouring boiling water carefully over the cannister body (while not touching the top). then pulling.

It aint moving...

I am worried that if I pull too much, the screws holding the webbing handle to the top will break, but I guess if that happens the top really is not going to budge.

Ah well Maybe I will just have to buy a decent NEW torch for the first time ever!

It gets one last chance, someone in our club had one and is used to it being a little "tricky" to undo, so he has kindly offered to have a go at it next week.

John R

did you try a rubber mallet?

also try elastic bands wrapped on the top to get better grip and use a twisting action if it allows..

[DIVE BUDDHA]

i would give costom diver a ring maybe they can point ya in the right direction !

there has to be a vaccum there though to be holding the cover on so tight

[broady]

Has to be a vaccuum in there - how about drilling a hole in there to release it

[MATTBIN]

Originally Posted by broady

Has to be a vaccuum in there - how about drilling a hole in there to release it

I thought about that too, then plug it with a screw, brass of course.

Matt