Ruger SP101 crane latch frozen

[strick9]

Recently I posted about my SP101 which had been misplaced and was covered with dirt. The trigger, hammer, and cylinder were frozen up. I received several good suggestions from that post. I used Liquid Wrench and finally got the trigger and hammer to move enough that I could rotate the cylinder which is loaded. However, I wasn't able to unlatch the crane. The latch is frozen.

I've removed the hammer assembly but can't get the trigger guard assembly off because I can't hold down the release plunger and manipulate the assembly at the same time. I don't know if removing the trigger guard assembly will be of any benefit in getting the crane latch loose.

Any suggestions on how to release the crane will be most welcome.

Thanks!

 

[Confederate]

I'd take the grips off and immerse the gun in some mineral spirits overnight. Hot water might work, too, if it's hot enough (like boiling).

 

[Cosmoline]

Wow, that really sounds bad. When things get that stuck I usually reach for the kroil.

 

[strick9]

Things I've Tried

I've removed the grip and soaked the gun in Prep-Sol (an organic solvent used to remove oil and grease from automotive sheet metal). It didn't help much. The solvent didn't discolor and I interpreted this to mean that the gunk plugging my gun doesn't contain oil or grease. I've used Liquid Wrench with some success. By working the hammer and trigger I've been able to get the cylinder to rotate but the crane still won't unlock. I removed the hammer assembly but was unable to remove the trigger guard assembly.

I'll probably try using water to see if it will free up the crane latch.

Thanks for your suggestions!!

 

[Cosmoline]

I'm telling you, open the windows, put on the gloves and apply the kroil to the stuck parts. It has NEVER failed me. Anything this side of actual welds will be freed.

 

[strick9]

kroil

I'm not familiar with kroil. Where would you seggest I try to buy it?

Thank you!

 

[doc2rn]

If kroil fails I use Marvel mystery oil. I unlocked a Taurus back-up which had the same problem.

 

[Cosmoline]

Info on kroil:

http://www.kanolabs.com/

Midway and other gun outlets and stores stock it. It's INTENSE. Keep it off exposed skin and open the windows. A little should be enough. It has worked to free every rusted bolt or part I've used it on, including a sling swivel that was about 50% rust and had locked into place.

 

[sgt127]

I don't have mine in front of me...but...I THINK there is a hole in the front of the yoke. If you push in on that, with a small nail or punch, it will release the front locking point on a Ruger. If that thing is still loaded, be aware of what you are doing because you will be jacking around with the front of the gun...K? As for the rest, I have made a mixture of WD-40 45%, kerosene 50% and Marvel Mystery Oil 5% (The percentages are not critical) It is one hell of an effective crud cutting soak. I would soak the gun for a few days. It will most likely deactivate the ammo too. When its done soaking, get a plastic mallet, keep the gun pointed in a safe direction and just start thumping the frame of the gun gun all over the place, just hard enough to set up some vibrations in there. I'll bet alot of stuff lets loose.

 

[strick9]

Success!!

I soaked my Ruger SP101 in water for a couple of days. That didn't free up the crane latch so I hit it a few times with a plastic hammer. It unlocked, the cylinder rolled out and I removed all the rounds. It still needs more cleaning and the crane release doesn't appear to be working correctly. Don't know what to do about this.

 

[Brian Williams]

Now that it is unloaded, give ruger a call and see what their refinishing would cost.

 

[Cosmoline]

The charged me about $80 to do a complete overhaul on a pitted, rusted out Security Six a few years back. They did a fantastic job on it, and replaced several parts I couldn't find anywhere.