One-Touch cleaning sytem

[relayer61]

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. 

[Troy]

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.

[tb80]

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.

[zavod44]

Try lots of PB Blaster....

Sent from my Motorola Droid Turbo 2

[MacEggs]

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

Also, have some patience.   

[brewtownbeatdown]

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.

[MikeRocksTheRed]

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!

[brewtownbeatdown]

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".

[TheDude]

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!

[Red Kettle Rich]

Most interesting post I've read on a Cleaning System thread in a long time 

[relayer61]

Haven't laughed that hard in a long time brewtownbeatdown. 
Thanks for the methods mentioned above.

Go Cubbies!!

[MikeRocksTheRed]

@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!