Handy tool for tight filters etc

[mldee (Mike)]

I was having trouble removing my QHY8Pro nosepiece to clean the sensor. Tried all the usual tools, wouldn't budge and scratched the nose paint even with protective efforts.

Yesterday I stumbled across a "plumbing tool set" in Aldi for $15. One of the three tools was a special pair of multigrips with jaws covered in hard 3mm teflon, so no teeth or such. Designed for hard to turn plastic things I guess.

$15 later, my nose piece was off. Did it first go, and no cosmetic damage

The jaws are also slightly larger than normal multigrips, allowing a grip on wider diameters.

While probably not a tool you would use often, I would highly recommend it for those stubborn filters, lenses, even plastic things etc. Maybe Bunnings has a similar tool, I've never noticed it though.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Ok, I'll chip in here. Usually when you use spacers, filters, extension tubes, etc... over time aluminium dust gets into the threads and it makes them gritty. You need to clean them and oil them with a bit of WD40 or other on a cotton bud so you can 'wet' the threads. Doesn't have to dribble. Clean (aluminium dust free) and 'wet' is good enough.

Now keep in mind not to screw them too hard. They're fine threads. Also when the rig's spent the night out there is absolutely no way you're going to unscrew anything. So you wait all your spacers warm up, take them in front of the heater the following morning then you'll see they'll come loose by just turning by hand like you screwed them in the first place. Do not use tools, pliers or other to get a better grip. You'll break something. If it's stuck, warm it up until it gets lose.

[mldee (Mike)]

The pliers came after three days with a hair dryer using every configuration of heating I could think of.....I tried heating, cooling, letting it rest, etc, etc. Believe me, those multigrips was the last resort. The alternative would have been damage somewhere.

I'm also not that keen on putting WD40 on my QHY8 threads next to the sensor, just in case the vapours eventually get on the sensor glass. Hard to clean off.

I was thinking of a very very slight light grease with a tissue though.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by mldee

I'm also not that keen on putting WD40 on my QHY8 threads next to the sensor, just in case the vapours eventually get on the sensor glass. Hard to clean off. I was thinking of a very very slight light grease with a tissue though.

I wouldn't worry about vapours. Aluminium filling and dust from the threads on the CCD or the contacts are more of a worry over time.

[JohnH]

PTFE tape guys = no mess & no stuck threads....

[ebrnouveau (Eschembrenner)]

A Strongboy jar opener (Swiss made ) is the best tool to unscrew the nose piece of a QHY8 camera .

[ebrnouveau (Eschembrenner)]

Forgot to say that the Strongboy is an adustable collar clamp with an handle .So no mess no dents .It's works as a breeze

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Aldi does it again!!

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Nah,

You just use a cable tie. Wrap it around the filter so the filter undoes as the cable tie tightens. They cost a couple of cents each and the plastic doesn't hurt anything. It works each and every time. I have carried a few of them in my telescope accessory bag and camera accessory bag for this very purpose for years and years.

Cheers,
John B

[mldee (Mike)]

Great idea! Pity it took so long to make it to IIS