Interesting Rakes Problem

[Bluepants]

So my rakes are designed to raise and lower via a nut. Its basically a threaded rod and the motor spins it. The threads work through a lower nut that (usually) stays fixed to raise and lower.

Couple brews ago they stopped raising and lowering and instead the nut comes off of the tun. So the nut that is supposed to stay fixed goes up and down instead of the rakes going up and down.

Yesterday when we brewed a fun new thing happened. I was able to drop the rakes down but as I tried to raise them, the threaded rod started to eat into the fixed nut. I.e., it raised a little but some of the metal of the nut started coming out in the threads. It then stopped rising altogether (presuming it was eating into the nut and then couldnt anymore.

So now they are fixed and I can't raise or lower them. Anyone know what could be wrong?

[BrewinLou]

Is it possible to call the manufacturer? Most keep blueprints on file and are more than willing to help.

From the sounds of it, the nut broke free from it mount. First I would find out how it was mounted, welded, glued... Then since it is damaged you will have to find a replacement. A picture is worth a thousand words. If you could post one and give the name of the manufacturer I am sure someone on here has worked with it before.

[Scott M]

If the nut and shaft are cross threaded or galled and you are unable to move the rake I would suggest cutting the nut off without damaging the shaft any further, then chase the threads on the shaft and replace the nut. Trying to move the shaft (rakes) could further damage the shaft requiring its replacement.

Just my thoughts....Best of luck.

[Bluepants]

So, I've been in contact with the manufacturer which is why I hadnt replied sooner. I'm told that the filings that I said were associated with the threaded rod eating the nut are actually just compacted shavings of the material from production. I'm not too sure but that's what I was told. The rakes are still bound and I guess I'll have to try to take the rod out to fix it. I'm guessing (and the manufacturer offered this as well) that the rod is out of alignment. I dont know how it really would have gotten that way unless it was damaged in shipping.