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Difficult SPEC knob

OldSkool

OldSkool

Pioneer Nut
I was taking the knobs off my SPEC 1 so I could remove the aluminum face and clean all the silver, and the volume knob will not come off.

Ive taken the two set-screws out, but the knob is still seized on the shaft.

What is a good solution to get the large knob off without damaging either the silver faceplate or the knob itself?

Any ideas? Thanks !
 
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I would try heating up the knob with a hair dryer to get it to expand a little, and maybe it will let go.
 
Im thinking of making a few wooden wedges with a very mild tapering grade, and putting a set on both sides of the pot-shaft. And slowly push them together to increase back-pressure on the knob and evenly lift it off.

knob.gif


I think I would put some sort of masking tape on the side of the wedge that lies against the aluminum faceplate to make sure it doesnt mar the anodized finish.

Just thinking out loud here.
 
Try tapping IN first, if it's not bottomed out hard....

See if there isn't another setscrew in one of the threaded holes at the bottom.
(stranger things HAVE happened.... so it's mirror and flashlight time)

You can also try twisting / rotating it against the stops, if it was a setscrew originally
it should have a smooth shaft.
 
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have you tried the spoon method as previously mentioned?

works like a charm, most of the time.
 
OldSkool said:
Im thinking of making a few wooden wedges with a very mild tapering grade, and putting a set on both sides of the pot-shaft. And slowly push them together to increase back-pressure on the knob and evenly lift it off.

knob.gif


I think I would put some sort of masking tape on the side of the wedge that lies against the aluminum faceplate to make sure it doesnt mar the anodized finish.

Just thinking out loud here.
Click to expand...

This will work. It is how lathe drill chucks are removed.
I might suggest a protective shim between the bottom of the knob and outer wedge. This will also let you leave the faceplate side wedge statioary, while moving the outer wedge.
Err on the side of caution, as you can create enough pressure to damage the faceplate and/or pot. Just double, triple check for grub screws before doing.
Good luck
 
To much forceful pulling may damage the ceramic disks inside the control.Be extremely careful.
I just had the same issue with a SPEC1.I had to chuck up the knob in the mill and run a reamer in the shaft hole. just to reinstall the damn thing.
 
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