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Help getting a thread reducer off

Equipment
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ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar

Hi,

I purchased a ZWO OAG-L, and when I tried to remove the tilt adapter, I found that the thread reducer came out instead of the screw. I included images of the problem. I don’t want to damage the reducer’s threads, so I’ve been reluctant to try vice grips, but I’d like to get the screw out, then put the reducer back in the body of the OAG. I can’t screw down the assembly because the reducer isn’t flush, therefore causing severe tilt on the plate. The other two screws came out with no problem. I tried heating it, but no luck. Suggestions?

Thank you

Scott

Image 2025-12-07 at 3.02 PM.jpg.jpeg

Image 2025-12-07 at 3.03 PM.jpg.jpeg

Well Written Engaging
Thomas avatar
Thomas avatar

Have you tried putting some WD-40 between the screw and the reducer. Then use something like an oven grip or some other silicon style hot pad to grip the thread reducer while you take the screw out.

Concise
ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar

Thomas · Dec 7, 2025 at 08:16 PM

Have you tried putting some WD-40 between the screw and the reducer. Then use something like an oven grip or some other silicon style hot pad to grip the thread reducer while you take the screw out.

I haven’t tried WD-40 yet. I was a little concerned about it getting everywhere, although I don’t think I have much choice. The sleeve is relatively small, and I’m not sure what to grab it with without damaging the threads.

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Scott Badger avatar
Scott Badger avatar

Can you screw the sleeve and screw back into the OAG? If so, maybe some loctite or superglue on the sleeve threads will keep it from screwing back out with the screw.

Cheers,

Scott

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ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar

Scott Badger · Dec 7, 2025 at 08:43 PM

Can you screw the sleeve and screw back into the OAG? If so, maybe some loctite or superglue on the sleeve threads will keep it from screwing back out with the screw.

Cheers,

Scott

I can’t screw the sleeve back in because it won’t sit flush to the surface. I’ll try wd-40 and wrapping the threads with something to protect them and use vicegrips.

bigCatAstro avatar
bigCatAstro avatar

ScottF · Dec 7, 2025 at 08:30 PM

Thomas · Dec 7, 2025 at 08:16 PM

Have you tried putting some WD-40 between the screw and the reducer. Then use something like an oven grip or some other silicon style hot pad to grip the thread reducer while you take the screw out.

I haven’t tried WD-40 yet. I was a little concerned about it getting everywhere, although I don’t think I have much choice. The sleeve is relatively small, and I’m not sure what to grab it with without damaging the threads.

WD-40 has a product that is a quick drier and doesn’t leave residue and I think it’s called: Specialist Cleaner.

It’s supposedly made for electronics use. I would probably try that product rather than the original formula. I would get a small Rubbermaid lunch container and spray a good amount in the container so it pools. Then I’d soak a q-tip with it and carefully apply it to the stuck screw/grubs. Be super careful!

For clean-up, I’d soak another q-tip with rubbing alcohol and gently clean around the screw holes and contact points.

I don’t know if it will work, but it would probably be a cleaner option.

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Dan Brown avatar
Dan Brown avatar

Is the sleeve you are talking about a Helicoil insert? If so you may need to remove it will pliers and purchase a helicoil kit with installation tool to replace the insert.

Dan

ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar

Ok, WD40 worked; however, the reducer would not thread back in fully, so hopefully ZWO will provide a replacement.

Thank you for everyone’s comments.

Shawn Hoffman avatar
Shawn Hoffman avatar

Have you tried spraying a bit of WD-40 between the screw and the reducer? After that, use an oven mitt or another silicone-style heat pad to get a firm grip on the reducer while you loosen the screw.

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qcernie avatar
qcernie avatar

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Adjustable-Rubber-Strap-Belt-Wrench-with-Bottle-Opener-Universal-Automotive-Repair-Tool-for-Oil-Filters-Plumbing-and-DIY-Tasks/17838760058?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=102754025&selectedOfferId=9CB9000DDF8B3E8D88B523523FF919E9&conditionGroupCode=1&adid=222222222279CB9000DDF8B3E8D88B523523FF919E9_14069003552_202077872&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-2449037643288&wl5=9027030&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=5586873954&wl11=online&wl12=9CB9000DDF8B3E8D88B523523FF919E9&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=202077872&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi9rJBhCYARIsALyPDtueTU0M6GlH02tcEJUnYNRUHilC72XDq1Z64nk9rlAPewIIoRJp7i4aAhuqEALw_wcB

ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar

qcernie · Dec 9, 2025 at 06:12 AM

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Adjustable-Rubber-Strap-Belt-Wrench-with-Bottle-Opener-Universal-Automotive-Repair-Tool-for-Oil-Filters-Plumbing-and-DIY-Tasks/17838760058?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=102754025&selectedOfferId=9CB9000DDF8B3E8D88B523523FF919E9&conditionGroupCode=1&adid=222222222279CB9000DDF8B3E8D88B523523FF919E9_14069003552_202077872&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-2449037643288&wl5=9027030&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=5586873954&wl11=online&wl12=9CB9000DDF8B3E8D88B523523FF919E9&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=202077872&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi9rJBhCYARIsALyPDtueTU0M6GlH02tcEJUnYNRUHilC72XDq1Z64nk9rlAPewIIoRJp7i4aAhuqEALw_wcB

thanks, but the sleeve is only about 4 mm long, the strap wrenches won’t work(I tried).

ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar

Shawn Hoffman · Dec 9, 2025 at 05:00 AM

Have you tried spraying a bit of WD-40 between the screw and the reducer? After that, use an oven mitt or another silicone-style heat pad to get a firm grip on the reducer while you loosen the screw.

I managed to get it off using wd40. The problem is the sleeve won’t thread down fully, probably damaged, or maybe locktite or something in the hole it threads into. I suspect what happened is the sleeve was held with a locktite material, and some excess got on the screw and locked it into the sleeve.

FYI , apparently ZWO didn’t use sleeves in the past, but the newer ones coming out have the sleeves in them. I can’t use the OAG at present and I’m waiting to hear from the retailer about next steps. I’m hoping they will take it back and send me a new one, and they can deal with ZWO about it.

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SonnyE avatar
SonnyE avatar

ScottF · Dec 9, 2025, 01:53 PM

qcernie · Dec 9, 2025 at 06:12 AM

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Adjustable-Rubber-Strap-Belt-Wrench-with-Bottle-Opener-Universal-Automotive-Repair-Tool-for-Oil-Filters-Plumbing-and-DIY-Tasks/17838760058?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=102754025&selectedOfferId=9CB9000DDF8B3E8D88B523523FF919E9&conditionGroupCode=1&adid=222222222279CB9000DDF8B3E8D88B523523FF919E9_14069003552_202077872&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-2449037643288&wl5=9027030&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=5586873954&wl11=online&wl12=9CB9000DDF8B3E8D88B523523FF919E9&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=202077872&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi9rJBhCYARIsALyPDtueTU0M6GlH02tcEJUnYNRUHilC72XDq1Z64nk9rlAPewIIoRJp7i4aAhuqEALw_wcB

thanks, but the sleeve is only about 4 mm long, the strap wrenches won’t work(I tried).

But in that case, you use the bottle opener conveniently provided on that strap wrench. Zona on a Corona! 😄

I have resorted to one of my Channellock pliers. Usually with a leather strap. But at that point I usually consider the part a lost cause anyway.

My first filter wheel (manual) has a thread adaptor glued into it with super glue due to stripped threads. Not a great loss, probably never use it again anyway. But it is workable.

Aluminum gauls up and then destroys the parts. I’ve been trying some Super Lube on mine, worked so far.

ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar

The store I bought it from is going to take it back and send me a new one, so that’s good news

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Keith Mombourquette avatar
Keith Mombourquette avatar

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