A good problem to have, hopefully

[Maker]

I'm still working up to the deed rather than 'dead'... I pointed it out of my workshop door, straddled it like a cowboy and gave it a fair whack with a blunt drift, a few times, no joy so far, bigger hammer is needed, I will report back when I have it open with a picture.
I spoke with a chap who worked in a pub and he said he would be suprised if the cider was still any good, I am still full of hope at this point, if it turns out to be 'questionable' I will of course offer it to the wife so it is not wasted, although she might be.

[Mash]

Not hard - here you go. Stop whacking it lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XglWWvIe9js

[Mash]

As long as it isn't vinegar it's still-able

[H12rpo]

Well I’ve vented all the gas (an amazing amount by simply depressing the black ring. I’ll need to get a lend of some adjustable wrench big enough now and I’ll be sorted

[Mash]

Stilsons or a filter wrench might work.

[Easydrinker]

I thought that vinegar was stillable.
Some of my best red vinegar is high %.
Just use it as a wash and not a still cleaner.
It may need some serious cuts


Robert.

[Maker]

So to release the pressure you just poke the rubber seal with a screwdriver, then follow the video as posted, easy peasy, when you know how.



The free booze, now released was keenly sampled.
Cloudy, floaty bits and not as expected, I drank a pint (after filtering) to be sure but not an enjoyable drink so I'll add it to the next run.

[H12rpo]

Ive managed to get the spear out with the spring and all, but the bastardy bloody tri top will not unscrew, and I have the same stillsons as you.
Get the hot spanner on it tomorrow I reckon

[Maker]

I know whats going wrong, make sure your stilsons are only grabbing the tri top, the ferrule below is the same size in places so you can grab both, I have chewed my ferrule a little.
The tri top has very little resistance when you get it just right, it's just the pinch of the rubber seal.

[H12rpo]

Rubber seal is out as is the spring and the spear .
I know what your saying though ill check that tomorrow when I’m less pissed

[H12rpo]

Nope it ain’t moving. Had the heat on it today to..... I’ve really given it some stick with the stilsons. But nothing! It’s got me thinking there’s something else locking it ....weird

[Mash]

Di you Watch the YouTube link above.

I don't think it needs mechanical force, there is a interlock inside on the spear. Has that released?

[H12rpo]

The spear is out

[Maker]

There is no other locking mech on mine just screwed in with a rubber seal at the bottom, maybe the seal had failed on yours and it's just locked up due to something beery getting in the threads.

More heat and put a scaffold bar on the end of your stilsons, put another bar through the handle so the barrel wont spin on the floor.

If that fails I guess you should buy another barrel or have a new ferrule welded on the one you have, a bigger one.

[Mash]

If the spear is out, the pressure is out. Cut it out.

Then weld on a 4" tri-clamp adaptor. Bingo.