Removing a stuck pellet stove cleanout cap with tools that work?

Hello

Anyone else have this problem sometimes?

Some caps are much easier to remove than others since they vary in type but quality as well.

The common Duravent caps must be turned counterclockwise before it can be pulled off and sometimes that is the most difficult part to do!

I tried using an oil filter wrench which sounded like a good idea but in reality, I had absolutely no luck with it!

So a friend who is an HVAC man by trade got a really stuck cap off with very large gas pliers! ISeeing it work is believing! I also found these vise grip oil wrench pliers that work.

Of course I have found that spraying PB Blaster into the seam makes a huge difference and going back an forth until you can move it fully counterclockwise does help too.

Before putting the cap back on, some "Dry Moly Spray" can make the job easier in the future.

I prefer a Selkirk Vacuum Cleanout that can be a little quicker and easier in the long run.

Click pics to Enlarge:

 

Don, Dry Moly is not the be all, end all. The best solution is probably a thin coating of Never Seize around the entire flange and locking "lugs" and "channels" on the corresponding parts. I used this method for the last 3 years I had a stove, and I removed the cap just with my hands.

 

Thankfully I don't have to use any of the things you mentioned, most are just greasy kids stuff anyway. Pliers on anything flexible and round is never a good idea and will just make things worse for the next removal/install. I'd use a strap wrench with either a cloth or rubber strap to make sure that even pressure is applied around the cap. If at first the cap doesn't rotate, reposition the wrench and try again. I'd also never spray anything on the vent or cap but use a 0000 steel wool to smooth all the joints before assembly then install and remove each one several times to ensure they can be easily removed in the future without tools.

If you feel the need for a cleanout "T", for heven sake install it outside so all that crap will stay outside when you feel the need to remove the cap for cleaning.

Me? I made sure to not use a cleanout "T" and terminated the vent chest high so I can walk up with my trusty leaf vacuum and send all that ash crap up and out and throughout the neighborhood.

Sorry, but after 32 years of working on jets I learned to do things the best and most simple way...now, it's time for more bourbon.

 

Oh yes I agree, that never sieze is good stuff too. What ever works!

 

I use rubber strap wrenches on all pipe fittings. And the high temp anti-seize grease on the cleanout caps. Never have had an issue. kap

 

the excel cap has always been an easy hand job for me.

 

ICC end caps.....a dream.....no unscrewing, just a thumbscrew, a bar, and the tab lifts off.......I love ICC

 

Let us know how you make out on the vac cleanout. All you need is some iron pipe? Could be an easy job?

 

I had a GF like that...

 

Hello

I had a good test today. I had to add more pipe to some pellet vent to bring it above the roof line.

To connect to the existing pipe I had to remove a piece that looked easy but it was RTVed and really tough!

So I pulled out the 3" Vise Grip Wrench and Voila! Also no damage!
See pics, click to enlarge:

 

Nice

 

No need to RTV pipe together on outdoor pieces. But another place that would benefit from Never-Seize.

 

X2, but I see it all!