1962 WE black wall phone w/handset cap removable problem

[HobieSport]

When I used the freezer method I only left the handset in the freezer for about 15 minutes, so it wasn't too cold or brittle, and then the only torque that I put on it was by hand.  I would also be very wary about getting the parts too cold and very careful about alternating cold and heat. Also, I think I was working on an F1 handset, so it was bakelite to bakelite, and not bakelite to plastic.  Also I simply didn't have a blow dryer available at the time, so I just tried the cooling method first.

[Gary]

Just found this thread but am having NO luck with the receiver cap of an E1 handset from a WE202.  Been trying all the heating techniques here.  One thing I'm sure of is I'm close to injury trying to remove this thing.  Breaking is slowly becoming an attractive option.

[LarryInMichigan]

Gary,

You just don't get along very well with handset caps, do you   Unscrewing the various components of E1 handsets can be a real pain, as I have learned.  I have tried spraying electrical contact cleaner into the threads to try to dissolve the stuff holding the parts together, tapping the stuck parts to try to loosen them, and heating the parts with a hair dryer.  Eventually, I have managed to remove most of the parts with strap wrenches.  Have fun

Larry

[Gary]

You are so right Larry, two in one week!! 
I'll keep at it, tried tapping but I'm afraid of the already existing three radial hairline cracks in the cap.  It's actually not in the greatest cosmetic shape.  The bakelite is fairly rough and pitted to begin with.

[Dennis Markham]

Gary, I'll second what Larry wrote.  A strap wrench is worth it's weight in gold when it comes to getting the E1 caps off.  After struggling for a long time with one, (and wanting to just break it off like you) I went to Ace Hardware and bought a nice strap wrench for about $15.  Thirty seconds after I got the wrench home the cap was off....and unbroken.

[Gary]

Good idea Dennis, thanks.  I think there's one at work I can borrow.  I'll take a look tomorrow and give it a try.