View Full Version : Help! I can't open my new B&W King 4x5 tank...
Hello from snowy Ottawa.
I just received my new 4x5 B&W-King 4x5 developing tank, yesterday.
I can’t open it. It does not allow the slightest bit of movement between the lid and the tank body.
I can keep a good grip on it when I’m trying. To try to loosen it up a bit, I have tried hot water, then ice water….
Surely I’m missing a way.
Email to B&W King was just returned as "undelivered".
Thanks!
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Try tapping the lid edge on wood, just like a stubborn jar of jam
My NIKKOR version is also tight, which controls leaks
John Layton
6-Mar-2020, 08:24
You might try using an old trick to remove stuck lens filters...wrap a length of electrical cord (heavy duty/larger gauge in this case) around the cap, and grasp the two ends together very firmly and apply twisting force. The idea here is that you distribute this force evenly about the circumference of the lid, allowing it to maintain its roundness...whereas simply grabbing the lid itself by hand concentrates the forces to smaller areas of the rim, which could distort the rim and thus keep it locked up.
Maybe try the above after heating up the lid a bit?
Thanks; just tried that. No go.
Just trying some penetrating fluid. (!)
:p
201491
Try tapping the lid edge on wood, just like a stubborn jar of jam
My NIKKOR version is also tight, which controls leaks
Alan9940
6-Mar-2020, 08:56
Did you buy off eBay? If so, did you try contacting the seller there?
The lid on my B&W King 4x5 tank can, occasionally, be difficult to remove; especially if my hands are wet and/or the least bit slippery. If you have someone else available to hold the tank, have one person hold the tank while the other pulls/twists the lid with something that won't slip on the metal; I use a rubbery mat material used to line drawers and cabinets.
Thanks; tried it but it didn't work.
I stopped at H Depot to try to find a pair of strap wrenches, none to be found.
Next best thing, didn't budge with 2 people holding/pulling:
201506
You might try using an old trick to remove stuck lens filters...wrap a length of electrical cord (heavy duty/larger gauge in this case) around the cap, and grasp the two ends together very firmly and apply twisting force. The idea here is that you distribute this force evenly about the circumference of the lid, allowing it to maintain its roundness...whereas simply grabbing the lid itself by hand concentrates the forces to smaller areas of the rim, which could distort the rim and thus keep it locked up.
Maybe try the above after heating up the lid a bit?
Yes, off eBay. Message sent earlier to seller, before starting this thread (same person whose email wasn't working earlier). Reply pending.
Thanks.
Did you buy off eBay? If so, did you try contacting the seller there?
The lid on my B&W King 4x5 tank can, occasionally, be difficult to remove; especially if my hands are wet and/or the least bit slippery. If you have someone else available to hold the tank, have one person hold the tank while the other pulls/twists the lid with something that won't slip on the metal; I use a rubbery mat material used to line drawers and cabinets.
Penetrating fluid again, wouldn't move. Lid then heated, wouldn't move. Then, shocked with cold spray (in case any corrosion or adhesive that should crack from the expansion then contraction). No luck.
And there is no distortion of the tank/lid after all this; I've been careful in that regard.
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Someone's going to tell me that there's some little niggly trick that I'm missing...
I hope.
Because I'm stealing glances at my sledgehammer.
Alan9940
6-Mar-2020, 14:27
Hmm...it's starting to sound like you simply need a new tank sent. One last idea... Did you try using a flat-blade screwdriver or some means to gently pry around between the bottom of the lid and the lip on the tank?
Paul Ron
6-Mar-2020, 14:38
freeze it.
that will shrink the metal.
malexand
6-Mar-2020, 14:45
Even better, Fill it with water and freeze it. The water will expand as it freezes and should force it apart.
reddesert
6-Mar-2020, 14:45
Try to blow air in through the open cap? (using a vacuum in reverse or a foot pump, with a hose adapted to the cap opening) I think there is a Jobo pump for opening their tanks, when hard to break the seal.
Alternatively, fill it half full of water and shake it, so the water weight pushes on the lid from inside.
I don't think heat or cold is going to have much effect, because the tank and lid are the same material and in good thermal contact.
Robbie Bedell
6-Mar-2020, 15:06
Go to an auto supply store and look for what they might have in the way of oil filter removers. Get two, one for the can and one for the lid. It might work!
John Kasaian
6-Mar-2020, 15:19
Maybe try Aero-kroil?
Maybe try Aero-kroil?
And give it overnight.
Thanks; that idea made sense. The way I did it was I took a slim punch and did some careful taps with a light hammer. That did the job. I'd hesitated to try anything like that b/c I didn't want to damage the tank. This worked out, with no scratches.
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Inside, I found some packing material...
I'm surely the person who melted it all but, from the beginning, that was probably what was caught between the cap and the main body of the tank.
201525201526
Did you try using a flat-blade screwdriver or some means to gently pry around between the bottom of the lid and the lip on the tank?
A bit of cleanup, and as good as new. All moves freely, the cap fits to the body with the expected amount of friction. No distortion, after all the abuse and no scratches. So I have to say, a tough and very durable product.
I sort of feel like I put this tank through a Top Gear "you can't kill this" episode.
I was kidding about the sledgehammer, but I did think about ether. You know; then throw a match at it...
:)
Thanks to all for the suggestions.
201527
I just received a nice, kind, reply from Mr. Liu. Very helpful, entirely pro:
"I have received your letter.B&W KING problem solved?
B&W KING's lid (B) tank body (C) design is buckle structure, no thread.Because of the need to reduce the dripping water leakage, the processing between (b-c) is more rigorous.
In order to avoid transport impact, the development tank has a plastic bubble packaging to isolate the film mounting frame.
The problem you have, I think, is probably a problem with the plastic packaging inside the development tank, squeezed between (b-c).
As long as the wood block or plastic (non-metal), along the direction of (D) gently tapping, can be solved.
I hope you can solve the problem easily.
I'm a retired large format photographer.Now I am 66 years old. Every product of B&W KING is adjusted, processed and inspected by me to ensure smooth operation and no defects.I was also the first user of B&W KING.
Any large-format photographer has a strict selection of photographic supplies.B&W KING is a new brand, a new product, and it has been recognized and used by large format photographers in many countries.I hope you will like B&W KING and we will become good friends.
B&W KING is responsible for every product. B&W KING is responsible for every large format photographer. That's my commitment.
Because I don't know English, this is a computer translation, there may be a mistake, please understand
Best wishes."
Liu Junjie
201528
A bit of cleanup, and as good as new. All moves freely, the cap fits to the body with the expected amount of friction. No distortion, after all the abuse and no scratches. So I have to say, a tough and very durable product.
I sort of feel like I put this tank through a Top Gear "you can't kill this" episode.
I was kidding about the sledgehammer, but I did think about ether. You know; then throw a match at it...
:)
Thanks to all for the suggestions.
201527
Dear Mike Té
When I heard from you, I quickly went to this forum and saw the various approaches you've taken since you met B&W KING.Be moved by your persistence and seriousness.
A small problem with the shipping packaging of B&W KING has brought you so much trouble.As the product representative of B&W KING, I apologize to you.
In order to eliminate the regret brought to you, I will send you the new B&W KING 4x5 Tank for free, and the freight and transportation costs will be borne by all B&W KING.Please send the receiving address, telephone number and other information to my email.
B&W KING is responsible for every product, and B&W KING is responsible for every big-frame photographer, and that's a promise I should keep.
I would also like to thank the photographers from various countries for their attention and support to B&W KING.
If any photographers have any problems with B&W KING, please feedback to me in time, and I will solve them in time.
Because I don't know English, this is a computer translation, there may be a mistake, please understand
Best wishes.
https://www.bw-king.com
Try placing the tank in very cold water and allow it to contract slightly then pour boiling hot water on the lid but not the tank, it should expand slightly to allow you to separate the two. Use rubber dish washing gloves for grip (traction)
Try tapping the lid edge on wood, just like a stubborn jar of jam
My NIKKOR version is also tight, which controls leaks
The easiest and most effective way!
https://www.bw-king.com
Hello, Mr. Liu!
Yes, nice and low-impact, and it was the first thing I tried (a few times). It didn't work.
It was the idea of tapping it out along the vertical axis that worked.
The easiest and most effective way!
https://www.bw-king.com
Hello again, Mr. Liu.
Thanks for your kind reply and for your concern.
Please, no need to apologize and certainly no need for a new tank. It ended up being a minor misadventure that resulted in a good strong stuck.
As I replied in my email to you, that tank stood up to all that abuse with flying colours! An endurance test! And it still shines.
I remain impressed with the quality of the workmanship.
And, I rather had fun with it. Another story.
Therefore, I respectfully decline the offer of a new tank.
Thank you for your kind consideration.
All the best to you!
Michael T. in snowy Ottawa.
Dear Mike Té
When I heard from you, I quickly went to this forum and saw the various approaches you've taken since you met B&W KING.Be moved by your persistence and seriousness.
A small problem with the shipping packaging of B&W KING has brought you so much trouble.As the product representative of B&W KING, I apologize to you.
In order to eliminate the regret brought to you, I will send you the new B&W KING 4x5 Tank for free, and the freight and transportation costs will be borne by all B&W KING.Please send the receiving address, telephone number and other information to my email.
B&W KING is responsible for every product, and B&W KING is responsible for every big-frame photographer, and that's a promise I should keep.
I would also like to thank the photographers from various countries for their attention and support to B&W KING.
If any photographers have any problems with B&W KING, please feedback to me in time, and I will solve them in time.
Because I don't know English, this is a computer translation, there may be a mistake, please understand
Best wishes.
https://www.bw-king.com
Dear Mike Té
When I heard from you, I quickly went to this forum and saw the various approaches you've taken since you met B&W KING.Be moved by your persistence and seriousness.
A small problem with the shipping packaging of B&W KING has brought you so much trouble.As the product representative of B&W KING, I apologize to you.
In order to eliminate the regret brought to you, I will send you the new B&W KING 4x5 Tank for free, and the freight and transportation costs will be borne by all B&W KING.Please send the receiving address, telephone number and other information to my email.
B&W KING is responsible for every product, and B&W KING is responsible for every big-frame photographer, and that's a promise I should keep.
I would also like to thank the photographers from various countries for their attention and support to B&W KING.
If any photographers have any problems with B&W KING, please feedback to me in time, and I will solve them in time.
Because I don't know English, this is a computer translation, there may be a mistake, please understand
Best wishes.
https://www.bw-king.com
Excellent customer service, always good to know which business owners take responsibility for their products.
Dear Mike Te
On March 23, I have sent B&W KING 4x5 Tank via China post EMS, I believe you will receive it soon in Canada.
Free delivery of B&W KING 4x5 Tank, to ensure you use the perfect product, this is really thank you for supporting B&W KING, and also to fulfill my promise, I hope you can accept and understand.
B&W KING is responsible for every product and B&W KING is responsible for every photographer user.I will try to create B&W KING as a product that large format photographers are happy with.
I hope you can give me feedback of your experience and establish a friendly relationship.
Best wishes!
Liu junjie
202327
202328
http://www.bw-king.com
Duolab123
7-Apr-2020, 17:41
Great customer service. Very good to know.
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