Ways to unfreeze a stuck lens cell in a very old shutter?

[Patrick13]

Old shutter: Betax #3
Front lens cell won't unscrew; rear cell is easy to remove.

My first thought is to get some light oil (Nyoil is what I have on hand) at the top of the threads and let it sit for a while.

Any suggestions? I'd really like to get the front cell out to try and get rid of some fogging, and if not then repurpose the shutter which works fairly well.

[DrTang]

I jam the barrel into the bottom of my tennis shoe and then turn the shutter hard


I've also heard sticking the whole thing ina plastic bag, then into the freezer for a couple hours works too..but never tried that

[Jim Jones]

In the kitchen department of some stores you might find tools for removing tight jar lids. These give you a good safe grip with some leverage.

[Stephen Thomason]

Nyoil is not penetrating like Kroil. I would get a small amount of Kroil and give it a try - it has worked for me. I use the Nyoil for lubing shutters.

[Ted R]

Gentle heat?

[EdSawyer]

A strap wrench and a heat gun.

[jnantz]

inner tube for a bike tire

[Michael E]

Hose clamp (and a protective layer of adhesive tape) around the lens cell. Light taps with a hammer on the protruding part of the hose clamp. Works wonders with filters stuck in their thread.

[Jim Noel]

Hose clamp (and a protective layer of adhesive tape) around the lens cell. Light taps with a hammer on the protruding part of the hose clamp. Works wonders with filters stuck in their thread.

+1

[John Kasaian]

A plastic strap wrench, Get 'em two for a buck (or something like that) on the 99 cent table at your local hardware store or Harbor Freight.

[Stephen Thomason]

Great idea on the hose clamp!

[Patrick13]

Many great ideas.

The one that worked was 1) freeze the whole contraption and 2) rubber band and big wrench. It spun dryly, but without tons of force.
Thanks, all.

[j.e.simmons]

Press the lens into the sidewall of your car's tire and twist the shutter. Works very well.