I! Posted December 4, 2010 Share Posted December 4, 2010 I've an ammo can that's really tough to open, especially in the current wintry conditions. Is there a proven method of loosening it up, e.g. with some sort of lubricant, that doesn't affect the seal and doesn't make the box icky to handle? I have one idea already, but I can't find anyone to loan me the right type of frog: Quote Link to comment
+Pharisee Posted December 4, 2010 Share Posted December 4, 2010 I've an ammo can that's really tough to open, especially in the current wintry conditions. Is there a proven method of loosening it up, e.g. with some sort of lubricant, that doesn't affect the seal and doesn't make the box icky to handle? I have one idea already, but I can't find anyone to loan me the right type of frog: The usual reason ammo cans get hard to open is the hinge gets rusty. If you can get the lid open first; at least 90 degrees; then knock the lid sideways off the hinge pins. Once you have the lid and box separated, the hinge can be cleaned with a wire brush or fine "sand-paper". Once the hinge is de-rusted and works freely, a smear of waterproof grease (I use the PTFE loaded stuff sold for bicycle chains) or even "Vaseline" on the pins before final re-assembly will keep it rust-free and working smoothly. You don't need to put it on the seal. If the closing over-centre mechanism is stiff, then free it up with something like WD40 and wipe off the excess before hiding the box. Quote Link to comment
+thekennelat79 Posted December 4, 2010 Share Posted December 4, 2010 All excellent advice. Some of my ammo boxes have been out in all weathers for over 5 years, and no problems have been encountered. Quote Link to comment
I! Posted December 4, 2010 Author Share Posted December 4, 2010 ... the hinge gets rusty ... the closing over-centre mechanism is stiff ... Neither of those is much of a problem (I think ... hmm, but I'll double check the hinge). I think the problem is the friction of the lid on the sides of the box -- it's a very snug fit -- and was wondering if there was much one could do about that. Quote Link to comment
+currykev Posted December 4, 2010 Share Posted December 4, 2010 And don't forget. Once you've opened it, make sure you don't fill it with the usual tat seen in most large containers. Quote Link to comment
I! Posted December 4, 2010 Author Share Posted December 4, 2010 Perhaps the first visitor can donate some nice expensive bike lube in exchange for one of the mouldy McToys I left there Quote Link to comment
+Pharisee Posted December 4, 2010 Share Posted December 4, 2010 ... the hinge gets rusty ... the closing over-centre mechanism is stiff ... Neither of those is much of a problem (I think ... hmm, but I'll double check the hinge). I think the problem is the friction of the lid on the sides of the box -- it's a very snug fit -- and was wondering if there was much one could do about that. Sounds to me like a little subtle 'bending' is required. A pair of big pliers and a hefty bloke should sort you out... in a manner of speaking Quote Link to comment
+Bear and Ragged Posted December 5, 2010 Share Posted December 5, 2010 The squadies method works, both for opening and closing an ammo can... I try not to use the method, unless 100% necessary. Quote Link to comment
+Buckleberry Posted December 6, 2010 Share Posted December 6, 2010 As per Pharisee, try some bike-specific stuff like GT85 from most bike shops. It lubricates but dries to leave a nice coating that isn't too icky... Quote Link to comment
+martlakes Posted December 7, 2010 Share Posted December 7, 2010 This was one we found on the Isle of Man - beyond the point that lube would help! As I picked it up my finger went through the rust on one edge. The lid isn't attached anymore as the hinges have gone. The pic shows the best side, the other has obvious holes. The problem is being right on the sea cliff: salt and iron. Funnily enough the contents (in a bag) were dry as it's hidden under a ledge. http://coord.info/GCTATF Quote Link to comment
I! Posted December 7, 2010 Author Share Posted December 7, 2010 Crikey, never seen something like that before ... and no Needs Maintenance log to boot! Quote Link to comment
+Pharisee Posted December 7, 2010 Share Posted December 7, 2010 (edited) This was one we found on the Isle of Man - beyond the point that lube would help! As I picked it up my finger went through the rust on one edge. The lid isn't attached anymore as the hinges have gone. The pic shows the best side, the other has obvious holes. The problem is being right on the sea cliff: salt and iron. Funnily enough the contents (in a bag) were dry as it's hidden under a ledge. http://coord.info/GCTATF Oh, I dunno.... a quick rub over with the wet and dry and a can of aerosol paint Seriously... that one looks a bit past it's sell-by date ! I had a big ammo can in a forest near Chicksands a few years ago that was run over by a timber tractor while they were doing some logging. It was completely flattened. I did manage to salvage some of the contents but the can was consigned to the scrap metal skip at work! Edited December 7, 2010 by Pharisee Quote Link to comment
+Captain Gore-tex Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I wouldn't bother too much, some get will probably nick it soon anyway. Quote Link to comment
+JeremyR Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Wow... From this: (same cache, believe it or not) to the above in just four and a half years?! That's amazing. Perhaps there was a hole in the paintwork that let the water in initially and the corrosion started from there? Quote Link to comment
+Border Caz Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 And people wonder why I prefer a nice big butty box to these inventions of the devil. Quote Link to comment
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