Stupid me

NickCantle · #1 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 05:37 PM

Hi guys, hopefully just a quickie. I've managed to put my Canon battery grip on and tightened the thread wheel so much that I can't undo it. I didn't realise that the ergonomics for undoing the wheel are aren't exactly tip top. It's damn poor. My fingers are sore from trying to get it off. Has anyone got any suggestions?

All suggestions and the like appreciated, Cheers

Nick

stephen p · #2 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 08:24 PM

do you have a rubber matt which you'd use to undo a tight bottle lid?
That would do the job, give you loads of grip to undo it and not destroy your fingers.

NickCantle · #3 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 09:01 PM

Thank you for the suggestion Stephen, I will give it a go.

Nick

JeffH · #4 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 09:13 PM

Nick, how about gently tapping the serrated wheel (in the right direction of course

) with a blunt-ended bit of wood and a light hammer?

Jeff

matt_xyz · #5 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 09:18 PM

yes, I'd try Jeff's recommendation. Or try a slightly damp cloth which can give a bit more purchase.

Failing that, you've now got a permanent battery grip which isn't too much of a problem. Mine hasn't come off my 400D since the day I bought it.

Matt

NickCantle · #6 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 09:36 PM

Thanks Jeff for the suggestion, and yes Matt, you've got a good point mate

JeffH · #7 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 09:40 PM

Let us know how you get on Nick, assuming you are going to try to remove it

Jeff

NickCantle · #8 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 09:42 PM

I will try

But i'll wait until my thumbs hurt less

NickCantle · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 11:57 PM

WOOHOO! I got it off today

As Jeff suggested, I tapped it not with a piece of wood but with my Opinel which snapped the other day, so I had a blunt blade and I gently tapped it with a teacup!

I would have tried the rubber matt suggestion but materials are few and far between in halls

I'd have had to rip it out of the wall or something...

To add, I'd have loved to have a permanent battery grip, but I've not got sufficient battery power yet. I'm using rechargeable AA batts in the Battery grip at the moment...but obviously i need some proper ones.

Anyways! Thanks chaps, sorted!

Nick

JeffH · #10 (**permalink**) 11-01-2008, 06:28 AM

Nice one Nick

Jeff

GerryNick2 · #11 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 09:35 AM

Hi Nick

Glad to hear you got it off ok.

Have had similar problems in the past on my 30D and various tripod accessories and found that a minute amount of WD40 applied to the thread in advance avoids the problem.

When I say a minute amount I mean tiny. I squirt some WD40 into an old jam jar lid, pick a drop up on the tip of a needle and then apply it to the screw thread, replace the fitting and wipe clean.

Some people might cringe at the thought for fear of transfer to the lense but in moderation is the key to success. It works for me, no more lock ups to date.

Gerry

NickCantle · #12 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 01:16 PM

Thanks for the tip Gerry.

Nick

beckiscott · #13 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 07:19 PM

nick... ive been in the same boat. glad u managed to get it off, it took me a few broken nails!
gerry... great tip, thanks!

Brocker · #14 (**permalink**) 14-01-2008, 09:23 PM

A friend of mine puts a VERY SMALL amount of vaseline on all threads, battery grip, tripod, monopod etc which I have now done and it works for me. When your hands are icy and numb and have no grip then it appears to work.

eeyore · #15 (**permalink**) 15-01-2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerryNick2

Hi Nick

Glad to hear you got it off ok.

Have had similar problems in the past on my 30D and various tripod accessories and found that a minute amount of WD40 applied to the thread in advance avoids the problem.

When I say a minute amount I mean tiny. I squirt some WD40 into an old jam jar lid, pick a drop up on the tip of a needle and then apply it to the screw thread, replace the fitting and wipe clean.

Some people might cringe at the thought for fear of transfer to the lense but in moderation is the key to success. It works for me, no more lock ups to date.

Gerry

you can also apply graphite to the thread by running a soft pencil round it - this has the same lubricant effect without the hazards inherent in letting oils/solvents near your camera. This also works well on zips which might other wise stick (such as on camera backs etc)

Garden Carpet · #16 (**permalink**) 15-01-2008, 04:18 PM

I dont know the ins and outs of your camera Nick... but an elastic band can be used successfully to undo things which are difficult to grip. Easy to find and easy to carry with you.

jaki