Bombard folding oars - how to get them unstuck?

[daiquiri]

I recently bought an Aerotec which came with two folding oars, which I believe are the original ones that come with the boat. They have the sections -the 2 handle parts and the spoon. They fold down nicely into the spoon but the upper part (the one with the grip on it) is stuck super hard in the lower part, on both oars, I just can't get them unstuck with WD40 or elbow grease or anything. Anyone had similar experience, and was able to solve it somehow? Some tips would be much appreciated!

[spartacus]

Assuming they are aluminium with locking mechanism?

This is a funny take on it with genuine advice at the end, either hairdryer or ice.
https://www.gonepaddleboarding.com/help-my-paddle-board-paddle-wont-come-apart/

Been here before with Zodiac and Avon collapsible oars, especially if you've used them in salt water.

Brute force is likely to damage them. Avoid metal tools such as claw grips. You get oil filter wrenches with the rubber strap, just enough to break the seal.

Once you get them apart, use light smear of marine grease and get into the habit of breaking apart after use. Good luck.

[Fenlander]

A picture would be good. The Aerotec came with telescopic paddles not folding oars??

[daiquiri]

Originally Posted by spartacus

Assuming they are aluminium with locking mechanism?

This is a funny take on it with genuine advice at the end, either hairdryer or ice.
https://www.gonepaddleboarding.com/h...nt-come-apart/

Been here before with Zodiac and Avon collapsible oars, especially if you've used them in salt water.

Brute force is likely to damage them. Avoid metal tools such as claw grips. You get oil filter wrenches with the rubber strap, just enough to break the seal.

Once you get them apart, use light smear of marine grease and get into the habit of breaking apart after use. Good luck.

thank you, I tried the hairdryer method now, so far, no luck..

[daiquiri]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

A picture would be good. The Aerotec came with telescopic paddles not folding oars??

we are talking about the same thing, the difference is my poor English skills, sorry about that, but yes they are telescopic paddles. (the image below is a stock image, not mine)

[chipko]

Love the Paddle Boss link posted by spartacus[emoji106]

To the op…seriously, if you can’t sort it just fork out a tenner or so and replace…life’s too short matey.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404163891...mis&media=COPY

[Peter_C]

If you believe they are stuck due to salt, soak them in a hot bath for awhile, using weight to sink them. Otherwise spray WD40 or the like into the voids, and tap them fairly hard in multiple directions onto a block of wood. You are trying to break the cohesion. Worst case you finish killing them *Shrugs* I can't tell if they are twist to release or if they use a metal clip inside that you push in to release. I've fought both types, and it can be a pain to get them to release. My preference is for one piece paddles with no adjustments. I'd recommend making some mounts to store one piece paddles on the tubes. One piece paddles do not flex like an adjustable either which makes a big difference when trying to paddle hard.

[Big Al C]

I ditched mine and made a set of 'Detachable rowlocks on an Aerotec'.
Don't know how to put the link on here... but its a previous post I did in 2017. Some one on here may be able to put the link on....
Still going strong...

[Big Al C]

https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/detachable-rowlocks-on-a-aerotec-75376.html

May have found how to link it?

[Fenlander]

Ahh OK understood, I asked just in case we were talking about different paddles.

I would say the hot bath of water is the best option. Also fit a Jubilee clip on the tube part to hold it without damage.

Having said that, like Peter C and Big Al C, I don't like those telescopic paddles as they can fail to easily be pulled out just when you need them and the plastic paddle is brittle when cold (think holiday in Scotland) and chunks can be knocked out of them on rocks.

So I have fitted small oars... not to use with rowlocks for rowing (although if stuck miles from home could rig up some rope rowlocks) but as a long sturdy paddle and general prodding device for shallows and fending off attempted boarding etc.

See posts 33 and 45 in this thread...

https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/one-pe...tec-83658.html

[daiquiri]

Thanks for the useful tips everyone, I will try the hot bath method then!

A full size oar is certainly a nice thing to have but we are already packed to the brim with diving and spearfishing equipment , much of that is attached to the rails in bags/cargo nets so stuff does not slide into the middle. So there's not much place left there for attaching oars, and also the least space something takes up the better so I hope I can get these paddles back in shape - if not, I'll just pick up some new ones. It's not really about the cost, it's more about my general attitude to avoid creating trash whenever possible, so I only throw away what I certainly can't fix.

[willk]

Originally Posted by daiquiri

It's not really about the cost, it's more about my general attitude to avoid creating trash whenever possible, so I only throw away what I certainly can't fix.

^ Well said