Separating Side-Plates on Older Penn Conventionals

[jechterhoff]

What is the secret in separating the bakelite plates from these babies?  When a Squidder was new, you could loosen the screw on the side and walla, it popped off.  After years of sitting and fishing, the plates are nearly impossible to separate without 'heavy' equipment, e.g., jackhammer.  LOL!  TIA  JEE.

[Alto Mare]

Plates won't pop off by just loosening the thumb screw, you'll need to turn the plate counterclockwise. you might need to hold the thumb screw out while turning the plate.

[Keta]

A little grease when putting it together helps.

[jechterhoff]

Counterclockwise was the correct direction.  Thanks, JEE.

[fshncrazy]

On a different note.....Try separating an inner ring from a sideplate in same situation (aged and stuck)  except without the inner ring screwed onto the frame.   hella tuff.