An interesting problem with my Drolet.

[WriteNoob]

I've had my Drolet Baltic v.1 for 4 years now, without so much as a hiccup. Until last night, that is. It uses a fine threaded rod, through a thickened, threaded part of the cast iron door as a latch mechanism. Last night, with no warning, the latch very nearly refused to budge. By working it back and forth, I got it to loosen up enough to be reasonably usable. This morning it was back, worse. Tonight, I used a 14" pipe wrench to operate it. Anybody experienced this, whether with Drolet, or other brands? I'm thinking I'll have to break out the tap and die set, and re-tap/clean out the threads. Weird, huh?

 

[Woody Stover]

How about some anti-seize lube on the threads?

 

[Easy Livin’ 3000]

I've had my Drolet Baltic v.1 for 4 years now, without so much as a hiccup. Until last night, that is. It uses a fine threaded rod, through a thickened, threaded part of the cast iron door as a latch mechanism. Last night, with no warning, the latch very nearly refused to budge. By working it back and forth, I got it to loosen up enough to be reasonably usable. This morning it was back, worse. Tonight, I used a 14" pipe wrench to operate it. Anybody experienced this, whether with Drolet, or other brands? I'm thinking I'll have to break out the tap and die set, and re-tap/clean out the threads. Weird, huh?

Lube it. I used graphite powder, on top of a little light oil (oil was just to help the graphite stick).

Also take a picture of the problem area for us.

 

[WriteNoob]

Lube it. I used graphite powder, on top of a little light oil (oil was just to help the graphite stick).

Also take a picture of the problem area for us.

I'll get a pic, tomorrow morning, when I reload. I've got new parts, since I keep them on hand, with this being my heat for the winter. What surprised me was that it happened all at once, and was so tight that when I used the pipe wrench, I was moving the stove. I may just cut off the inside, back it out, and try the new arm. If that one doesn't thread after I clean them, I'll chase them with a tap. Tried using an oil, and it actually got worse after the next fire. Might try som graphite never seize though. Thanks for the replies.