Top caps too tight on RDAs - Help!

[Kh888]

Hi all,

I have a few RDAs where the top caps are almost impossible to remove; Stillaire, Tugboat and Omega. The Stillaire and Tugboat re authentic and the Omega is a clone.

What are some possible solutions to remedy the top cap issue? I am guessing there is more than one way to solve this, but I am hoping for a simple, non-invasive solution.

Thanks!


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[jm1974ri]

Try putting a little juice on the o ring of the cap. Usually works for me.

 

[amurphy]

Hi all,

I have a few RDAs where the top caps are almost impossible to remove; Stillaire, Tugboat and Omega. The Stillaire and Tugboat re authentic and the Omega is a clone.

What are some possible solutions to remedy the top cap issue? I am guessing there is more than one way to solve this, but I am hoping for a simple, non-invasive solution.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

i have the same problem with my tugboat. it's just been stripping the o-ring. also looking for an easy fix. i'll try the juice around the ring.

 

[HKholic]

My Origen V2 is nearly impossible to remove. So much so that I removed one of the two o-rings from the bottom and it's still tight. juice, no juice.........doesn't matter.

 

[amurphy]

My Origen V2 is nearly impossible to remove. So much so that I removed one of the two o-rings from the bottom and it's still tight. Juice, no juice.........doesn't matter.

kind of an unconventional fix, but i just tried to peel away the parts of the o-ring that were already coming off. maybe try some sandpaper or something? for me, it was just a "breaking in" period.

 

[Vaya]

*bump* I could use some advice on this issue, too...

I've gotten in the habit of wrapping paper towel around several of my RDAs' 510 threads and using pliers to rock the bottom cap back and forth, slowly freeing it from the top cap. My worry, however, lies in the great amount of force necessary to keep the 510 post in the grip of the pliers. I don't want to eventually ruin the threading.

Even with this method, which has been very successful for my authentic Patriot V1 & Tobeco Tugboat, my Infinite Enigma remains glued to itself. I've considered petroleum jelly....

 

[Rocketpunk]

Initial reply would be my guess, too. Lube the o-rings with juice.

 

[Kh888]

I have been trying a little bit of liquid as suggested, and it helps. It does not cure the problem, but it is better.


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[ProjektMayhem]

Yeah I have the same problem with my Tobh and Plume Veil. When I soak my coils some of the juice runs down and it sometimes makes it easier to take the top cap off but when it's dry it's crazy how much force is needed to take it off.

 

[p7willm]

It depends on what the top is made of. If it is plated be careful the plating does not flake off.

Try to remove some of the material from the inside of the cap. Sandpaper or a dremel tool will do it. When you have removed some use use fine sandpaper to remove the scratches then finer sandpaper to remove those scratches then etc. you might get up into the 2000 range to get a smooth surface. If you have access to a machine shop there is a tool that will expand a tube, can't remember the name, but that should be able to make it a bit wider.

I would only do that with a clone. I would also cut the clone more slack. If it was an authentic I would be a little upset. One of the things they get the big bucks for is quality control. Try writing to the manufacturer to see what they say to do. They might say to send it to them so they can fix it.

 

[nynvolt]

My tugboat is tight. Even with juiced O ring. I either drip through the tip or twist and pull to get it off. Same putting it on unless I have no reference to where the coils are located, then I have to line up the holes and push hard. It's a pita for sure and still leaks...but I love the thing.

Could try a smaller O ring that by stretching it to fit would make it thinner. Think I'll try that, doubt it'll cause it to leak any worse. Lol

 

[Vaya]

All good suggestions, thanks for the replies. Thanks!

I'm thinkin of removing the second o ring from the Enigma, but I'm wary of that causing leaks. I honestly hate that RDA, the connections are so weak and even when I build it dual coil 26g 6 wraps at 0.45ohms it produces vapor weakly!

 

[Smann245]

I recently got a Tobeco TOBH v2. Took it apart to inspect and clean, then reassembled. Sleeve would not install all the way on to the base and top cap was seemingly a little loose. Finally took it apart again and noticed one o-ring looked like it might be thicker than the other two. I say might be. The difference was practically a shadow of a shadow. Put the 'might be thicker' o-ring on the top cap and the two others on the base. Holy crap. Sleeve installs with perfect amount of resistance and seats perfectly and top cap is slightly tighter and perfect now too. An almost microscopic difference in o-ring thickness can make all the difference in the world. Check them closely guys. Good luck.

 

[vaperXant]

I got a copper plume view 1.5 clone by acecig, The top cap didn't fit correctly it was nearly impossible to remove after it sat for several days. I replaced the o ring with the spare it came with now its perfect!

 

[VHRB2014]

I use just a smidgen of silicone grease to lube the gaskets if they are giving me trouble like this. Just dab a q-tip and get the smallest amount on the tip, then run it around the gasket. It does not take but a little bit, Very smooth.

R

 

[Signmaker]

1) Try finding replacement O-rings at an auto supply store. Regular rubber will work fine, but also ask if they have nitrile rings (for AC systems, they will be a light minty green) if you're worried about contaminants.

2) Take the original O-ring out and rub the outer edge with a scotch-brite pad, which will remove the material in very small increments, leaving the surface smoother than sandpaper. Be sure to clean it well before using.

3) Take very fine (600 range) sandpaper, fold it in half, and run the edge inside the groove the O-ring sits in. Go slowly and test fit often. Be sure to clean well before use.

4) Use a dremel with a buffing tip and polishing compound on the inside of the cap, where the O-ring sits. Work slowly and test fit often. Clean well before use. Note: this is a good way to eliminate leaks on devices that have good O-ring fit. Use very fine compound and very light pressure.

5) If you go "too far" with any of these, or have an O-ring that's just a little too loose, you can slice a thin sliver of teflon tape (the white stuff for sealing pipe threads), and wrap it inside the groove for the O-ring. I've found just two wraps can take a very loose O-ring to "just right".