UBB.threads Forums General Interest Restoration, Conservation, and Maintenance Forum SA Scabbard Fittings Removal

Anyone have any suggestions for getting the scabbard fittings off an SA scabbard? The screws are out, but the fittings are stuck fast. I don't want to bang on them with a hammer or damage them by using pliers. Any suggestions - heat? oils? Thanks, John

Heat may work, but don't overdo it. Too much can blister paint or clear lacquer. You might try squirting the ends of the fittings where they slide on with WD-40 or something similar and letting it soak in under the fittings overnight. That may help loosen them up. After that, or maybe before, you can take a flat piece of wood about the size of a ruler and place it against the edges of the fittings that slide on. Holding the wood in place, gently tap the other end with a hammer. You may need to repeatedly swap sides while doing this. If necessary, you can use appreciable force without damaging the scabbard. Just don't let the hammer hit the scabbard body. The lubricant-solvent described above should help facilitate this method, but it may not be necessary to use it.