2 piece mast stuck together

wipe-out · Joined: 06 May 2000 Posts: 2

Hey Guys, I have a Neil Pryde Matrix system 460 mast which I cannot get apart. I've tried everything..Big Hands, 2 booms, heat gun, I have run out of ideas. Can anyone help me???

Wipe-out

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Use the SEARCH button set on STUCK MAST, and Google it for few (dozen?) more threads on the same topic in other forums. I can't imagine that any new ideas have surfaced since this topic's last run.

Mike \m/

jp5 · Joined: 19 May 1998 Posts: 3394 Location: OnUr6

The last time mine got stuck it took 6 guys to get it unstuck.

likesitwindy · Joined: 09 Nov 1997 Posts: 49

I did have one friend float the darn thing in a pool ...2 days later the water got in past the stuck joint and it was 2 piece again !! The length of time with water on the joint is a big factor ...time and water and patience ...try it ..now you have to get a pool !! ??

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

OK, I gotta admit ... that does give me a new idea.
1. Float it 'til it floods and sinks.
2. Boil/bake/fry/microwave it 'til steam pressure either releases it or explodes it.

Of course, you now need a pool PLUS a 15' pot/oven/pan/microwave. Wink

Regardless of your heat source, I'd stand back quite a ways; in Baghdad they call them things pipe bombs.

Mike \m/

1970cuda · Joined: 19 May 1996 Posts: 3

You might try this: cut some old bicycle rubber inner tube sections into flat 8" strips and wrap around both the mast sections (both the upper and lower mast then install steel hose clamps as tightly as you can over the rubbber hose sections), then get two 18" pipe wrenches and you can get rough with the hose clamps without damaging the mast. I've done this before when desperate. Good luck!

Smile

nw30 · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 7:41 pm Post subject:

That's what friends are for, hopefully you've got a bunch of friends.
But if not, take it back to your favorite WS spot that is crowded along with a 12 pack, pass out the beers to as many people as it takes, it will work.
It's the only way you can get it apart w/o damaging the thing. Works every time.
And if its prone to get stuck, wrap the joint with one layer of duct tape every time before you go out. Problem solved.

dennis1916 · Joined: 03 Aug 2000 Posts: 18

I have seen this before and the best way is to use physics.

Put the mast in the sun for about fifteen minutes or so, pour cold water down the lower section of the mast, add ice cubes if you really want, and after 30 seconds you should be able to get them apart.

Heat expands, cold contracts, and good luck.

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3550

Or you could try this.
http://www.calema.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=523

Coachg

outcast · Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 2724

Ok, I will reveal the secret....
Works best for skinnys.
Simple as pie

Run a PVC 1- 1-1/2" pipe up from the bottom and tap on the ferrule
The PVC will give a little, but not damage the carbon.

I keep the pipe in the van. 6" longer than the bottom section. I like to stand it on end and rocket the tip off, but you have to catch it before it hits pavement!

Don't tell anyone