Ideas to get a rusted, stuck barrel adjuster out

[Veloo]

This downtube barrel adjuster is pretty rusted so the plastic part is seized. It's screwed down almost all the way but if it wasn't seized, I would have a mm or two to raise it and clear those little ridges. I dripped a bit of chainlube in the hopes of loosening things up but no luck.
So close to the frame that I don't much clearance to play with pliers without risking a slip and hitting the carbon.

Any ideas?

Odd that Stevens would run cables along the downtube on a CX frame.

[Tony T]

Chain lube is too thick, try some penetrating oil, for example liquid wrench in a drip, not spray can

[unterhausen]

I use pb blaster because it's the one that is easiest to get. Spray it on, go on to some other project, repeat. Probably loosen it up in a couple of days. People insist that automatic transmission fluid and acetone 50/50 mix works better, never had occasion to try it.

[Tony T]

For that small part, a spray will get more on the bike than the adjuster ;)
Better to use a bottle/can:
https://media.napaonline.com/is/image/GenuinePartsCompany/NWMDC?$Product=GenuinePartsCompany/292680

[Ken Robb]

Maybe an off-set screwdriver phillips or flat blade a little wider than the inside of the ferule. Tap it in gently and hope that it bite enough to let you turn it. You probably lack clearance to get an E-Z Out in and turn it. Hmm, I have a set of bits and driver with a flex cable drive that might work because it would get the handle away from the frame. If you want to bring it to La Jolla let's give that a try. :) Or maybe you can find one closer to home?

[mtechnica]

There’s this stuff called kroil, it’s like PB blaster but some people think it’s better. I’d give that a try personally.

[bikinchris]

THIS is the time when a rust penetrant will work. Steel on steel.
I have used Liquid Wrench, but I prefer Kano Kroil or a mixture of auto transmission fluid and acetone.
Rust penetrants don't work well or at all on Aluminum to steel.

[Pierre]

Apply penetrant and then tap carefully with a small hammer if you can to jar the threads and help the penetrant do s thing. Repeat every few hours. Re-attempt removal after 24hrs.


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[Veloo]

Screw it!
Grabbed the soldering iron, melted an opening, pried off with a flathead.

Needs replacing anyway.

Thanks all for the suggestions.

[AngryScientist]

Nice. I like your Take No Prisoners stley Veloo