Stuck seat post....

[simon the viking]

I thought I would raise my seat an inch or two and found the seat post is stuck solid (alloy post, steel frame) The bike is about 12 months and I last raised the seat about 6 months ago.

Tried Plus-gas to no avail and a mallet (gently)... any other ideas. I was only going to raise the seat to try it but it has now become a matter of principle between me and the bike.

 

[oldgreyandslow]

http://sheldonbrown.com/stuck-seatposts.html

 

[simon the viking]

http://sheldonbrown.com/stuck-seatposts.html

Wow that was a quick reply just gone to link and reading it now many thanks

 

[simon the viking]

Just tried the screwdriver in slot idea (and now I see why plus-gas didn't work) but still stuck, the CO2 (or nitrogen or caustic soda) seems a bit extreme an a newish (but well used bike).... so will try the soaking idea (another day though!)

 

[e-rider]

oh no, these rarely have a happy ending!
if you don't have enough grease on the seatpost it will get stuck in just a few months - whatever the outcome this time, always grease the post well (shops/factories never bother to do this job properly).
My advice would be to visit a 'frame builder' if you are lucky enough to have one locally

 

[oldgreyandslow]

Caustic soda is the best solution, it will trash the seatpost but you can clean out the inside of the frame. I know this from experience sadly.

You'll remember to grease the seatpost next time though

 

[simon the viking]

LBS suggested turning bike upside down and putting seat post in vice even offered me the use of theirs (I have many vices non of them the workshop kind) but nope still didn't budge, I then asked about riding it with collar loose for a few days and see if it breaks the seal. He thought it might do but suggested I be careful and try and stay on the bike if the seat does go down quickly whilst riding it will give this radical approach a go and if it doesn't work will tighten it up and forget about it.....

 

[e-rider]

LBS suggested turning bike upside down and putting seat post in vice even offered me the use of theirs (I have many vices non of them the workshop kind) but nope still didn't budge, I then asked about riding it with collar loose for a few days and see if it breaks the seal. He thought it might do but suggested I be careful and try and stay on the bike if the seat does go down quickly whilst riding it will give this radical approach a go and if it doesn't work will tighten it up and forget about it.....

I doubt you will get this out.
Before you damage the frame and yourself, look up your nearest frame builder. Where do you live?
Frame builder charge £20 to remove these - they have special tools for the job and experience too

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Drill the bugger out,then ream it to clean it up.You can pick up a drill bit at a boot sale,find a friendly machine shop to turn it into a blacksmiths drill,&away you go.Caustic soda is messy,time consuming,& rocks the paint.

 

[biggs682]

oh dear another unhappy ending on the cards i fear

 

[simon the viking]

Riding it home 8 miles with collar undone didn't do it.... going to keep soaking it and riding it for a few days and if that doesn't work take the ostrich approach (stick my head in the metaphorical sand and forget about it) as I don't NEED to raise the seat just thought I'd try it a bit higher and N+1 is only a few months away and then the Viking will become the winter hack..... (and I will make sure the seat post on the new bike is greased)

but thanks to everyone's advice I think if I did decide it had to be removed I think I would track down a frame builder as suggested by e-rider

 

[GrumpyGregry]

take the BB out. invert the frame. Empty Plus Gas (or coke - yes cola) down the seat post hole in the BB shell, leave for several days, drain, put seatpost in vice, get a mate, preferably one who plays 4 or 5 for the 1st XV down the local rugby club, twist frame back and forth, whilst swearing mightily.

You have little to lose.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

PS don't let your mate lever on the rear triangle. This can easily turn into cold setting. Do not ask me how I know this.

 

[Herzog]

If you get desperate, gentle warming with a blow torch should do it...providing you're not bothered about the paintwork!

 

[grumpyoldgit]

If you get desperate, gentle warming with a blow torch should do it...providing you're not bothered about the paintwork!

or damaging any brazed joints.Aluminium expands more than steel,so as you apply heat,the post gets tighter.