recommendations needed and hopefully problem solving for a current issue

[Jessica PB]

Hiya everyone,

I suck and screwed up....I've seen recommendations for noalox (spelling?) and totally did not pay attention to it as I've had a Lavatube for a year without the need for noalox on my threads (battery side). Well yeah that all caught up to me today and my battery side threads seized up on me. have tried: brute force (including pliers), tossing in freezer for about 10 min, sticking pointy stuff in the vent holes and trying to turn (my dumb plastic cover fell off on this particular one), all without success. If anyone has further suggestions on things I can try, even if they ruin my lavatube, please toss them out there as I am hoping to save my battery (new!) if nothing else!

Also, I have a 2nd lavatube, which is acting "tight" in the same area. My guess is a combo of a ....load of rain, and high humidity in the Chicago area. I know absolutely nothing about noalox (sp?) or whatever is comparable. Is there something i can hit home depot for that will do me in a pinch for the moment so I dont run into the same issue with this one? Help!!!

Lastly: i'm guessing the 1st mention lavatube may not recover :-( Can anyone recommend something I can buy as a 1st or backup to the 2nd lavatube? My hopes and some basics about me (probably way more info than needed, but who knows what will help!) :
1) I'm deaf (i have a cochlear implant now, but that did not make my hearing perfect, sadly.). If the only way I can learn to use it is via Youtube (with lots of talking and demonstrations not enough to figure it out) then that would be the wrong item for me. I need something I can read or get by on 75% visuals (guys are the hardest for me to hear and to lipread....sadly most reviewers are men, and most have a ton of talking and the visuals are not really enough in terms of mods....accessories yes!). Or some kind soul that is willing to type it out for me? that is probably asking way too much!
2) egos and kgo related are behind where I am at now. I tossed my old to friends roughly 6 mos ago. The flavor sucked in the end, batt life was not enough, stupid things like chargers lasted way too short a time, etc. i tried the following after that: phidias (got a righty, thinking I would be fine since I do most things right handed. Sadly I am a total LEFTY when vaping. My phidias is gathering dust!). Lavatubes have met the bill thus far and I probably would not have even sought another out if i had not run into issues.
3) I'm not status oriented and dont feel the need to keep up with the Joneses. i simply want something that functions consistently in a wide variety of situations. not girly though....I have a pink Lavatube and hate it. How freaking embarrassing that this is what I am left with at this time as I gave away all my kgos to friends
4) I currently use 18650 batts (AMR- nippled). I'd love to be able to use what i have if possible.
5) I'm not mechanically inclined for the most part. if i have to mod it to work good initially, its the wrong model for me. I'm willing to learn to use thinks like volt testers or basic stuff like that, but I dont see myself soldering anything other than bar roughly the size needed for an entertainment system or furniture related I can arrange for repairs as needed but I'm most likely to just buy a new one. I AM willing to read and learn, so don't count me out on mechanicals or mods in general.
6) I do enjoy the benefits of variable voltage, but honestly have not went over 4.5 (and generally stick around 3.7 -4.2). I use SR boges in a tank in general because it is easy, non-messy (can do at work without feeling like a drug addict cleaning and filling). I do drip, but although i love the taste factor I use this rarely because of the mess (i'm often in my car)
7) Absolute must haves:
a) Im a lefty with vaping. Anything right handed specific will not work.
b) I need something that will shut off or has protection against autofire (switch, ??? ihave no idea!). I toss my APV in my purse or back pocket. Burnt the .... out of my ... in the first 3 mos of vaping (flying with it in my pocket and apparently mis-fired on my ..... Still scarred!)

in essence, I'm basic, old (41..old enough to not give a .... what people think about me or what I'm puffing on), I'm MI born and raised (although in the chicago area now, I'm not a "must have the lastest, greatest, and fanciest item) and am more about function than form, and have a 6 yr old kid. I dont have time to mess with stuff relentlessly to make it work, I'm around water a lot (although I protect my equipment, I'd like to stay on the less expensive side so if I absolutely ruin it due to stuff like humidity, etc I dont have to freak out.). My weather is at all of the extremes at one point or another (up to -45 below with windchill in winter to 105 with humidity in summer). I tend to use a tank, because it is easy rather than I like the flavor the best. i'm one of the most practical kind of women you could meet
what I've used: KGO, EGO, Phidias (but sadly got a righty, because although I'm a lefty I do most things with right hand. sadly this is not the case with vaping! I'm an exclusing lefty!)


If anyone has suggestions for something I might buy as a primary or a back up to my current lavatube (the one not totally seized up!), please feel free to toss them out there. I promise I will use noalox (sp) or similar in the future! Sorry for the darn book ,but I figure the more info the better in some instances.

Thanks! Jessica

 

[440BB]

The contrast between heat and cold might help you get it apart. Putting a warm mod on an ice cold surface may work, as the bottom cap will get cold first and hopefully shrink a little within the warmer tube. Putting a drop of lubricant like machine oil or any thing you have like vegetable oil on the point where the cap meets the tube might help also. Good luck!

 

[kiwivap]

Hiya everyone,


Lastly: i'm guessing the 1st mention lavatube may not recover :-( Can anyone recommend something I can buy as a 1st or backup to the 2nd lavatube? My hopes and some basics about me (probably way more info than needed, but who knows what will help!) :

Hi Jessica,
I think you'd find a Vamo a good second pv to back up the lavatube. It has variable voltage like the lavatube, and also variable wattage if you want to try that. There is also a user manual on the forum here:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/vamo/359600-vamo-vv-vw-v2-user-manual-download.html

There's also a whole Vamo forum here on ECF. The Vamo is pretty easy to use, and if you know the lavatube then you won't find a Vamo difficult.

I've been using mine for over 6 months now. I use 18650 AW IMR nippled batteries with mine. Different places sell Vamos - Discount Vapers has them here:
VAMO Variable Voltage/Wattage Transformer Mod - Stainless Steel with Stainless Steel Buttons

I recommend the stainless steel - less fingerprint hassle and finish doesn't wear.
You can also use 18350 batteries with a Vamo for shorty mode.

 

[t8kiteasy]

Sorry i can't help with the seized up LT as i read your post it looks like you have tried everything to get it to turn.You can get a 5oz. tube of noalox from provape for $5 and change that is where i got mine from.Anyway,if you have the original LT(lavatube),the LT 2 would be a nice back up though pricy $79.00 just for the LT 2 itself.It's a 100% better than the original and has changed form factor from original too.Mine has been working extremly well for the past 6-7 months of use,i got it to replace my original that crapped out on me.

There is the Vamo(v2)which runs $49.00-$59.00 depending on where you purchase it at,has lots of good reviews but like all mods,has it's flaws too.It sounds like with the weather conditions,anything you purchase,i would suggest getting a tube of noalox.All you have to do is put a dab on the end of a Q-tip,and wipe it around the threads,that's it,then just screw the pieces together a couple times to work the noalox into the threads,that simple.If you like small form factor and do not mind a box MOD there is the Innokin MVP for $59.00 it is only VV from 3-5 v's though,but small and pocketable.The new Segelei T-Max is out (box MOD form also) functions the same as the Z-Max does for $69.00-$79.00,again,depending on where you purchase it.There are alot of new devices coming out check these sites(discountvapers,vaporbeast,vaporalley,carolinavapes,hoosiervapes,delawarevapor,exhalevapors) those are some that i buy from with good prices.

 

[entropy1049]

You could try to heat the cap and/or penetrating oil...

 

[Jessica PB]

thanks so much for the input everyone.

 

[kiwivap]

thanks so much for the input everyone.

You're welcome. Hope it all works out well for you.

 

[hazozita]

Definitely give penetrating oil a try to get the Lavatube apart. You’ll get the best results if you get the type that is packaged as a dropper/spout dispenser rather than a spray. Liquid Wrench is easy to find at most hardware stores. A better brand is Kano Kroil – harder to find (try auto parts stores) but works much better. KK has never let me down in breaking frozen parts apart.

Apply the oil at the joint where it screws together and let it sit for an hour or so. Wrap the Lavatube with something that will protect it (kitchen towel or some foam) and, using 2 slipjoint pliers, grab each end and then twist (positioning the pliers, of course, so you’re away from the buttons and screen). If it still won’t break free, apply more oil and let it sit overnight.

Now, there’s a chance that all this force heaped upon the Lavatube will render the electronics nonfunctional, but at least you’ll be able to extract your new battery from it.

Noalox in the future! Home Depot and Lowes carry it (electrical department). Good luck!