The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a Victrola 1-1, and I can not get the crank off. The crank is stuck onto the motor and will not budge. I used Kroil, PB Blaster, and liquid wrench and nothing happens. I used a strong vice grips to hold the socket to get the crank out. I'm afraid to use heat, because I don't want to have the case catch fire. I don't want to use too much pressure because these motors are very delicate. Too much force can damage the spring that grasps the crank. Any suggestions? Since the motor runs smooth and quiet, I may just leave the crank in place.
Harvey Kravitz

"Since the motor runs smooth and quiet, I may just leave the crank in place."

That's exactly what I would do.

I'm thinking of the same thing myself. It's more of a curio to play an occasional record, than a serious machine.
Harvey Kravitz

I suspect it may be cross threaded in there. Maybe the tip of a soldering iron to heat the socket up, if that doesn't work, leave it.

I ended up leaving it alone. I figure since it works fine, it's best to leave things be. I don't want to take the chance and have something break on the winding mechanism. It's more of a curio to play an occasional record, than a serious machine.
Harvey Kravitz