Chrome LavaTube threading borked - repair advice?

[kiltedfox]

Heya all! Haven't been here for a while, but I've certainly kept vaping.
So, I bought the big shiny chrome LavaTube, and loved it...for a while. I dropped it once or twice, which knocked the atomizer off (I use an Ego-C system, both with Ego batteries and the LavaTube, if that makes any difference). Thing is, the threads that hold the atty onto the device seem to be stripped now - I can make it work, but the atty will keep turning after it's screwed on, and a slight bump will dislodge it (yes, I've tried with brand new atty housing; it's the Lavatube end, not the atty end).

SO! I know what the problem is, but I don't know the solution - is the little brass bit user-replaceable at all? If so, where would I need to buy the replacement part from?
I got ahold of Volcano, but they refused to help at all, even to offer advice, information, or discussion. They said since I didn't buy it straight from them I need to go to the store i bought it from and talk to them. Thing is, that store is in Washington, and I am now in Germany.

I'm extremely dissatisfied with the level of support from the manufacturer, but I still want to use the damn thing. I realize it's user malfunction that caused the problem, and I'd be all to happy to pay them for any needed repair. However, as that seems not to be an option that can even be dicussed...well, here I am, beseeching the help of my more experienced vaping brethren.

 

[Ghostrider]

Does it say "lavatube" on it at all? If not, Volcano is not the manufacturer (or reseller in this case) and I dont see why they would help you, or be obligated to. Most cases, when this happens...its cheaper to just buy a whole new lavatube, unless you know how to solder. You should always have a backup device, thats what you will have to use until you can get a replacement.

 

[kiltedfox]

Yes, it is a Lavatube. Little credit, plese ^_^
Having said that, thanks for the (depressing) prognosis...I certainly won't be buying any hardware from Volcano.

 

[Ghostrider]

Yes, it is a Lavatube. Little credit, plese ^_^
Having said that, thanks for the (depressing) prognosis...I certainly won't be buying any hardware from Volcano.

LOL, ya never know

They dont build them, and probably dont repair them under warranty from what I understand. I assume they just send it back to the factory in China for replacement. I can tell you first hand, the solder they use would take some serious heat to melt. Had a buddy who broke his top cap off....he threw it away and hes an Electronics Tech for the Coast Guard.

 

[jjcordone]

You might try something like JBWeld to put a 510 extension or a 510 to ego adapter on it......

 

[dirtyrigger]

I'm having the same problem as the OP. Never dropped it but the threads just went bad. I can set an atomizer in and fire it, but it will just fall off the device.

 

[thatguyjeff]

Temp, band-aid fix that may work - wrap some teflon plumbers tape around your atty threads. Just make sure you're not obstructing the electrical contact bits.

I had a similar issue and it did the trick for me.

 

[bruiser]

I wonder if the thread could be tapped, if one knew what the threads are?

 

[GreekLion]

unscrew the center pin with tweezers and remove the part, search google for a 510 female connector and mod it to fit. $10 for everything tops.

 

[BikerBob]

I wonder if the thread could be tapped, if one knew what the threads are?

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modding-forum/30256-taps-dies-901-801-510-4xx.html

Not sure you could re-tap what remains. Maybe find a 510 battery connector from vendor who sells mod parts. This is not what I would call a 'user servicable' repair.

 

[DizGrizz]

Madvapes sells the connector 510 Battery Connector, Sealed
The issue is getting the old one out and the new one in. I don't have a Lavatube, so I can't say how it comes apart but it's worth an attempt.

EDIT: BTW, these connectors are press-fit in so you will have to carefully pull the current one and press the new one in. The tough bit (beyond getting the old one out) may be to get the new one soldered to the wire(s)...it/they may be very short.

 

[DizGrizz]

On second look, I'm not sure the connector from madvapes would work for the Lavatube...it looks like their connector sticks out quite a bit and the MV one is intended to site nearly flush with the top of the PV (EDIT: well, duhhh, it's an eGo connector on the LT). It may be that jjcordone's suggestion of a short 510 to 510 extension JB-welded in place may be your best bet. I'd try to keep the epoxy only at the point where the top of the threads meet rather than putting any on the threads so that you maximize your electrical contact. Perhaps you could wrap the threads of the extender with a bit of aluminum foil before screwing it in and gluing it just to improve the contact. You'll want to use a sealed extension and make sure your final epoxy-ing totally seals the outside of the connection...if you get any juice in the joint, it will corrode and you won't be able to get to it to clean it.

EDIT: In order to retain the eGo compatibility, you'd prob want to use a 510 to eGo adapter instead of a 510 to 510 extension. But, I know of only one place that sells a sealed version of it and, trust me, it is not only expensive but the threads on it suck. So, you will need to seal it yourself with some solder or epoxy in the center pin's hole.

 

[DizGrizz]

Can't seem to step away from this...
The pics I see of the LT show a seam just below the head. Does that part unscrew? If so, does that remove the head? again, if so, any possibility of getting a replacement of that part?

 

[BikerBob]

Highdesertvapes has 510-510 adapters Adapters that are about 1/4 inch tall (plus 510 thread) and same diameter as a carto. Some have used those in an effort to help prevent thread damage on mods due to screwing/unscrewing cartos/attys/etc constantly.

Like DizGrizz, I often like the challenge of repairing "non-user-serviceable" items. Just need to watch for 'safety' issues, like make sure things can't short circuit.

 

[Ryedan]

kiltedfox, I had the threads on one of my 2 LT's get very loose. Mine still screwed on, but even when reasonably tight, the juice delivery thingy I put on it wobbled. I bought a sealed 510 to 510 connector. Put some anti-oxidant compound (like Noalox, but there are many other brand names) on the battery pin of the LT and a very small smear on the threads with a Q-tip. Screwed it together and applied epoxy to the exterior of the joint between them. It has worked great for me for a month now. And if it ever degrades I can remove the connector and do it over again with a new one.

I realize your situation is different in that you are not able to screw securely to the LT. I can only tell you what I would try if it were me in that situation. JB Weld and epoxy are great adhesives, but they are not conductive. In addition to what I explained above I would try inserting a small piece of aluminum foil between the threads of the LT and the connector to firm up the threaded connection and maintain conductivity. You can try this without glueing it and see if it works. Once it does, glue away. If there is a short, the LT should shut down like if the atty had a short. Obviously, don't vape while doing this, just in case.

If you feel at all uncertain about trying this, don't do it. I like to mess with things, understand the dangers and am willing to take a few risks. YMMV! Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[chemsoldier83]

Try tapping the theeads in putting in a

 

[chemsoldier83]

helacoil to act as new threads