Stuck Handrail

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GutsnGlory

Member
Aug 13, 2024
6
LoneOak, Texas
JI have an in-ground pool and the handrail is stuck. It uses the wedge anchors that has a bolt to tighten up the wedge to hold. To remove the handrail, loosen the bolt and tap the bold down to release the wedge. One of the wedges has caulking material under it preventing the wedge's ability to release enough to remove the handrail.

I've tried using a tractor jack, a scissor jack and it will not loosen enough to remove and I am bending the handrail. I am about to cut it with my reciprocator saw and If I do should I leave some of the pipe sticking out so I can clamp the rail to it?

Unless there is anything else I can do before I cut it.
I've been wondering if heating the area with a torch would work? Any ideas?
 

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I used a 2X4 scrap heavily taped (electical) to the underside of the rail, and a 10lb sledge. Maybe you need love taps instead of the constant pressure of the jacks to break it free.

The 2X4 provided a flat surface to hit up on and also protected the rails from dings. But it was being hit with a large sledge so it took alot of tape to hold it there.
 
Heat may work - direct it at the bolt/wedge area as much as you can. The goal is to soften the caulk, not heat the rail cherry red or make it turn blue. Then retap the bolt. On mine, although no heat is needed, it is tight, and needs small wiggles to walk it out. If one end comes out a bit too far, the angle it puts on the other makes it jam. So a little on one side, then a little on the other, back and forth.
One does wonder why caulk was used in that area, though....
 
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Newdude said:
I used a 2X4 scrap heavily taped (electical) to the underside of the rail, and a 10lb sledge. Maybe you need love taps instead of the constant pressure of the jacks to break it free.

The 2X4 provided a flat surface to hit up on and also protected the rails from dings. But it was being hit with a large sledge so it took alot of tape to hold it there.
Click to expand...
I've something similar. It will not budge.
 
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