Trick to opening TLF reactor?

[Tswifty]

I change my carbon every 2 weeks... Anyway, most times it goes very smoothly and I can have the reactor, cleaned, changed, flushed and back up and running within 10 minutes.

However, every once in a while (today for instance) the reactor lid seems like it is cemented on, and I can't get it to budge. I've been struggling with this thing for about 30 minutes now. So before I jump in the car, head to the gym to do some curls, then stop at the store on the way back to pick up some cheese for my whine... I figured I'd ask...

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to get this friggin lid off???

 

[Cove Beach]

Best thing i can think of is to turn it upside down in the sink and run hot water into the edge of the cover so it runs down into the threads. My guess is the oring is dried out, or you might have gotten a chunk of carbon in the threads. They are a pain, i don't miss mine at all!

 

[Tswifty]

I ended up using a strap wrench. I've never had one lock up that tight before. What a mess that was. :lol:

 

[Aadler]

I had that problem yesterday, but I was able to overpower it with my bare hands :dance:

 

[Tbohinc]

I think you were just called a wimp LoL

 

[itZme]

You can use silicone grease at assembly time to help next time. I use it wherever there is an o-ring or removable threaded item. You can find it in the plumbing aisle at HD or Lowe's.

Looks like this but when I see it at HD it is on a black hanging card:

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14864956#post14864956 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aadler
I had that problem yesterday, but I was able to overpower it with my bare hands :dance:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14865405#post14865405 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tbohinc
I think you were just called a wimp LoL

:lol: :sad1:

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14868632#post14868632 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by itZme
You can use silicone grease at assembly time to help next time. I use it wherever there is an o-ring or removable threaded item. You can find it in the plumbing aisle at HD or Lowe's.

Looks like this but when I see it at HD it is on a black hanging card:

Thanks Kevin, I'll have to check that out.