$3.74 801 Atomizer Connector Extractor

[moktarino]

In the interest of being awesome, I'm crossposting this from another forum.

So, I've been struggling with how to disassemble these 801 atomizers for my pyrex atomizer project, so I went to Ace Hardware store with my 3.5yo daughter for inspiration. I came back with a

3/8x1.5" fine-thread hex head bolt ($0.69), a
3/8-24x fine-thread hex nut ($0.35), and a
#3007 7/16" steel shaft collar ($2.70).

I could have used some 15/32" brass tubing instead of the collar, but I didn't want to have to buy a new hacksaw blade, and it actually cost more ($2.99).

Anyhow, I put the nut on the bolt and threaded it down about halfway, put the collar on the exposed bolt, then screwed the atomizer onto the end of the bolt very tightly. I clamped the end of the hex bolt in my vice grips and used an appropriate (if incorrect) crescent wrench to slowly unscrew the hex nut, pressing the collar against the body of the atomizer, extracting the connector.

I used the collar because I couldn't find a washer or other cheaper random hardware bit that would work. Of course, I had a monkey hanging from my shoulders half of the time, and the other half she spent redistributing the various fittings she could find, so you may be able to find one cheaper.

[boondongle]

Very nice! Now we just have to come up with similar methods for all the devices.

[Shreck]

That would work well with all attys and batteries, with the right setup. Similar to a bearing puller.
Looks like I would have to buy a new crescent wrench though, all of mine are metric!

[moktarino]

Notice I said appropriate but incorrect.. 15mm works fine.

Also notice I used "vice grips" instead of "vise grips", there is a difference.

Mine are made of coke, hookers, and moon pies.

[Lightgeoduck]

That would work well with all attys and batteries, with the right setup. Similar to a bearing puller.
Looks like I would have to buy a new crescent wrench though, all of mine are metric!

now THAT"S funny

[Vaporer]

Nice idea. Even though the threads are metric I take it it wasn't enough to distort them?
The 801 atty has the familiar collar on the atty, shame the rest dont have that feature.

Metric Cresent Wrench

[moktarino]

Nope, it still screws into the battery with no problems. I think it only catches the first thread.

[Vaporer]

I still like it. I did find one type of 801 atty some may have a problem with.
If you search Staple Mod you'll see that some 801's center connector are not as deep as others.
Mine are the "shallow" type. I couldn't even get the bolt to catch good due to the center connector hitting the bolt.
A little work on the bolt end solves this if you happen to run into this problem.

[crazyhorse]

Alternatively, and depending on what kind of junk you have lying about, you can build a tool for free. Use a few inches of 3/8" copper tubing or plain ol' plastic sink faucet supply line. Use this to tap out the entire atomizer innards out from the top. It all comes out in one piece.

[Vaporer]

Nice one crazyhorse. I'll have to give that a try.