Cure for Light that will not open?

[bilby]

Bilby in a tight corner!
UK Sunlight C8 light - currently defying all attempts to unscrew in order to replace batteries...has anybody encountered & (more importantly) solved this problem? Be grateful for any advice.

 

[subdude]

as a "grip amplifier."

It is my understanding the cause is pressure buildup from the batteries. That or someone "John Wayne'd" the top on.

subdude

 

[Ian Wigg]

Try using a strap wrench - Very Carefully!

 

[Stone]

Had a UK Sunlight C4 "explode" in my hands once. Sprinkles of battery acid went all over. Recommend unscrewing it under a towel.

P.S. My UK had no visual signs of being flooded.

 

[wetman]

I've had to strap wrench my light cannon a few times now and that works great.

steve

 

[Rev. Blade]

I got a strap wrench for Christmas. Perhaps I could use it to tighten the head onto my dive light. :bonk:

 

[Uncle Pug]

Here is a surefire way to get it open... photo courtesy of Stephen Ash.

 

[JT2]

I know this is going to sound silly, but I had that same problem a while back and a guy at the LDS set my light in hot soapy water in the sink for about fifteen minutes, then took it out, wiped it off, and I was able to easily twist it open. I have no idea why it worked, but it did and I have seen it work many times since.

 

[Bob3]

The hot water soak should do it, but watch out for that soap. The last time I got some of that stuff [soap] on me my skin turned a few shades lighter.

 

[mddolson]

I've had this problem once.

Did you by chance tighten it under water at depth?
I did. on my old Ikelite.

Return under water to same depth, loosen 1/4 turn, return to surface. This worked for me.

I'm not sure if your UK has the same seal, it's a compressed oring on my old ikelite.

Tightening it at depth, created a lot of compression on the oring.
At the surface it was too tight to loosen.
Returning to depth compressed the oring and reduced the friction on the threads. Alternatively pushing inwards on the lens ring while loosening may work.

Mike