Hayward DE Filter - stuck bulkhead fitting

[WmGriffTX]

Hello all - I have a Hayward DEX4820 DE filter. The lower body developed a crack, I ordered a new one (the lower filter body only), and am now attempting to remove the two bulkhead fittings (in/out from pool) from the old filter body and move them to the new one. The part # is DEX2420F.

The problem is, I cannot get these bulkheads off the old filter body for the life of me! They are stuck tight. I even ordered special Channellock PVC pliers, but no luck. I can softly hit the vertical elbow with a mallet and it moves left and right, but not enough to get it unstuck. I'm hesitant to hit it any harder, I want to use these parts (the 2 elbows inside the filter body) and not have to order new ones.

Anyone have any tips on how to get these off? Am I out of luck and these need to be cut off, thus making them useless to me? Appreciate any tips!

 

[PoolStored]

Start at 1:55:

You might find a plumbers wrench to be of great use:

Husky Adjustable Plumbers Wrench 16PL0134 - The Home Depot

Repair pipes and plumbing with exceptional strength and durability by using this Husky Adjustable Plumbers Wrench. Wing nut-free design.

www.homedepot.com

 

[WmGriffTX]

Thanks for the reply, funny enough I watched this same video and ended up ordering the same pliers he uses in the clip, and recommends in the comments! He gets the bulkhead off so easily, but mine are still stuck.

 

[1poolman1]

With a firm squeeze on the plier, tap it with a large piece of wood like a 2X4 or a rubber mallet, something with some weight. You can hit with more force than you think without doing much damage as long as the plier doesn't slip.
A lot of times grit gets into the threads and it becomes very difficult to remove those fittings, as you are finding. Unfortunately, sometimes the damage to the fitting is so bad that it has to be replaced, but that is rare.

 

[WmGriffTX]

With a firm squeeze on the plier, tap it with a large piece of wood like a 2X4 or a rubber mallet, something with some weight. You can hit with more force than you think without doing much damage as long as the plier doesn't slip.
A lot of times grit gets into the threads and it becomes very difficult to remove those fittings, as you are finding. Unfortunately, sometimes the damage to the fitting is so bad that it has to be replaced, but that is rare.

I will give this a try, thank you.