Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: relayer61 on June 23, 2016, 09:48:32 AM

Title: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: relayer61 on June 23, 2016, 09:48:32 AM
I'm sure this will be a quick question for someone who's ever taken apart the One-Touch cleaning system. 
I've recently purchased a 1984 and would like to take it all apart but seem to have trouble with the handle.  The thumb screw can be removed easily enough.  I figure that the handle would then just slide off from the 'nut' to where I could pull the 'sweeps' up from inside the bowl but it seems to be either really stuck or not designed to come apart.  Has anyone experienced this before?  I don't want to get too physical with it and break it. 
Title: Re: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: Troy on June 23, 2016, 09:55:01 AM
I don't know what to tell you. I've never had the thumb screw actual un-thread. They always just break off with a slight twist.

I always hacksaw the handle off the nut on both sides and replace the whole system with the modern style.
Title: Re: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: tb80 on June 23, 2016, 10:15:46 AM
I've had that situation occur before.  I got a Phillips head screw driver or an ice pick  (something small enough to put into the hole) and hammered the handle out.  It may help to spray some type of lubricant on it as well before hammering.
Title: Re: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: zavod44 on June 23, 2016, 10:25:45 AM
Try lots of PB Blaster....

Sent from my Motorola Droid Turbo 2

Title: Re: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: MacEggs on June 23, 2016, 10:49:33 AM
If the sweeper blades are in good condition, then it's worth trying to save.

I have had success with the above mentioned, as well as some 3 in 1 oil.  THIS stuff (http://www.3inone.com/products/multi-purpose/)

Also, have some patience.   :D
Title: Re: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: brewtownbeatdown on June 23, 2016, 11:10:23 AM
It'll take a little finesse, but can be done. How easily depends on your tool collection. Have done a couple ways with good results. @Troy is right about switching to new style (when there's no gen.1 ash bucket involved). Would still try to salvage for a future project that has the gen.1 bucket.

Method #1:  Cool a can of penetrating oil in the fridge. Use a propane torch to directly heat the rod, not the nut. Then spray the rod w/ cold penetrating oil. The rapid cool should break the rust bond.

Method #2:  Use an open end wrench to brace the nut. Then hammer lightly against end of rod (air chisel with hammer bit would be preferable).

Method #3:  Cut the rod flush on both sides of nut. Remove & disassemble blades/nut. Secure nut and drill rod out of it. Rod will be about an inch shorter when re-installed.

Method #4:  Haven't had opportunity to try yet, but in theory, it should work. Grind down the fixed end of a C-clamp into a forked end. Put forked end around rod & crank it.
Title: Re: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on June 23, 2016, 02:40:11 PM
Quote from: brewtownbeatdown on June 23, 2016, 11:10:23 AM
It'll take a little finesse, but can be done. How easily depends on your tool collection. Have done a couple ways with good results. @Troy is right about switching to new style (when there's no gen.1 ash bucket involved). Would still try to salvage for a future project that has the gen.1 bucket.

Method #1:  Cool a can of penetrating oil in the fridge. Use a propane torch to directly heat the rod, not the nut. Then spray the rod w/ cold penetrating oil. The rapid cool should break the rust bond.

Method #2:  Use an open end wrench to brace the nut. Then hammer lightly against end of rod (air chisel with hammer bit would be preferable).

Method #3:  Cut the rod flush on both sides of nut. Remove & disassemble blades/nut. Secure nut and drill rod out of it. Rod will be about an inch shorter when re-installed.

Method #4:  Haven't had opportunity to try yet, but in theory, it should work. Grind down the fixed end of a C-clamp into a forked end. Put forked end around rod & crank it.

Method #5:  Apply bacon to it while its warm.  Pork lube works wonders!
Title: Re: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: brewtownbeatdown on June 23, 2016, 05:15:12 PM
Quote from: MikeRocksTheRed on June 23, 2016, 02:40:11 PM
Method #5:  Apply bacon to it while its warm.  Pork lube works wonders!
Forgot about that method. @MikeRocksTheRed is the only fella I know who will invite the in-laws to stay at his house, and then use some bacon lube to pound the Mrs. while they're asleep. They say that they smell bacon, so he tells them "your daughter & I enjoyed a midnight snack".
Title: Re: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: TheDude on June 23, 2016, 06:34:22 PM
Quote from: brewtownbeatdown on June 23, 2016, 05:15:12 PM
Quote from: MikeRocksTheRed on June 23, 2016, 02:40:11 PM
Method #5:  Apply bacon to it while its warm.  Pork lube works wonders!
Forgot about that method. @MikeRocksTheRed is the only fella I know who will invite the in-laws to stay at his house, and then use some bacon lube to pound the Mrs. while they're asleep. They say that they smell bacon, so he tells them "your daughter & I enjoyed a midnight snack".

So wrong! Hahaha!
Title: Re: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: Red Kettle Rich on June 23, 2016, 10:03:23 PM
Most interesting post I've read on a Cleaning System thread in a long time  8)
Title: Re: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: relayer61 on June 24, 2016, 04:29:59 AM
Haven't laughed that hard in a long time brewtownbeatdown. 
Thanks for the methods mentioned above.

Go Cubbies!!
Title: Re: One-Touch cleaning sytem
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on June 24, 2016, 08:24:36 AM
@brewtownbeatdown -  I can't wait to give this a try during out summer trip to the Oceanside, CA with her family!!!!  You are too damn funny!