How to break my Fiber Rob On my Excalibur II Lose with out breaking it.

[Rockin Chairs Gold]

Could use some suggestions here. I only used it two or three times this summer water hunting, and I went to break it down the other day and I can't get it to budge.

I tried running water over it and working it back and forth (it won't move). But I just can't get it apart. I'm afraid to put to much pressure on it or use a wrench to try to break it free as I would probably crush or crack the carbon fiber rod.

Any suggestions you folks would have would be greatly appreciated.

Rick

 

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[John (west central FL)]

It's easier to prevent this than get it apart. Flush the sand and salt out after each use and let dry before putting the lower rod back in.

If the locking collar is frozen you can try drilling a couple of small holes in the outer part of the collar and then force water into the holes while you try to loosen the collar. If the rod is stuck inside the upper rod then try twisting the lower rod while running water into it. Best to remove the coil and electronics tube so you don't damage them. With the coil removed, you can put a screwdriver through the hole where the coil bolts on and use it to get extra leverage. Use lots of water and short twisting motions. Of course, try not to break anything.

 

[gravediggermax-vabeachva]

if it is on a straight shaft, u can get a all thread rod ...say 3/4" .......should be like 7/8" od.........and use it to push it out from the top.....AFTER SOAKING WITH ANY TYPE OF SPRAY TYPE OIL OR LUBRICANT......maybe two days.

if it is stock blue rod with S handle.............soak and spray even more......put pipe wrench on fiber rob and twist gentley.

once u get it out, u must seperate it from the shaft each and everyday after use and wash it off or i will happen again.

 

[Sandman]

I used to worry about this but now I just leave them locked up. Course I had no need to break them down for travel even when I toured the coast in my van. Once the detector is adjusted for your height your all set.

 

[dewcon4414]

What i found has helped me is i us a straight shaft that fits well .... but didnt put a shaft lock on it. It moves a tad but doesnt lock up.

Dew

 

[gravediggermax-vabeachva]

I kinda agree with Sandman

but once in a while the lower tip part breaks just above coil bolt .......then u have to replace the lower rod.

it is just a necessary pain in the butt.
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[NYwaterhunter]

I got totally fed up with this issue. I was constantly breaking it down and reconfigureing for water (dive rod) vs. wading or land.
Finally I turned in some gold bands when gold peaked at $1,900 and I bought another Excal. Paid for by gold finds
I leave my old one set up for diving and my new one set up for wading. Best move I ever made.
With the reputation Minelab has for not getting units back from repair for several weeks and sometimes months, I was not excepting Minelabs poor service and excusses as an answer. Unfortunately Minelab sold another Excal. but I purchased it only because I love the performance of it.
So now I have two Excals ready to go wether it is wading or Diving. Plus I can use one as a back up if I have to send the other one away for long periods of time.
If you are breaking it down for travel, that's a different story.
Yes, the fiberglass rods will crack - been there and done it.
Good luck hunting.
GG

 

[Can Slaw]

I grip the lower rod with a pair of Chanel Locks right next to the cam lock. The sand has always broken loose before the rod. If I break a rod it's my own fault for not keeping it clean. I like Max's idea too.