Can’t remove Battery Grip from K3-II.

**Perfessor5646** · 05-01-2019, 12:00 PM

The knurled wheel on the battery grip will not turn in either direction. There is a minuscule amount of vertical flop. Being a slender senior citizen and already losing upper body strength, I cannot imagine that I over tightened it to the point I nor two former marines cannot turn it.

Righty tighty, lefty loosey. Correct? As best as I recall there is no other locking mechanism.

It is not an immediate catastrophe in that the camera works off the battery in the battery grip but I wanted to recharge the battery in the body

I’m assuming traditional techniques for removing stubborn lids, running it under hot water faucet or tapping it on the edge of a counter are not good ideas. Nor is a liberal application of WD40.

Do y’all think this needs to go to an authorized service center? Both pieces are out of warranty so there is no deadline.

pentasonic49 · 05-01-2019, 01:08 PM

I think you may have to try a little WD40 from the back unless someone on the forum knows better. It can be wiped off with tissues later.

MarkJerling · 05-01-2019, 01:14 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Perfessor5646

The knurled wheel on the battery grip will not turn in either direction. There is a minuscule amount of vertical flop. Being a slender senior citizen and already losing upper body strength, I cannot imagine that I over tightened it to the point I nor two former marines cannot turn it.

Yup, you've over tightened it.

Originally posted by Perfessor5646

Righty tighty, lefty loosey. Correct? As best as I recall there is no other locking mechanism.

Yup.

Originally posted by Perfessor5646

I’m assuming traditional techniques for removing stubborn lids, running it under hot water faucet or tapping it on the edge of a counter are not good ideas. Nor is a liberal application of WD40.

Indeed.

Originally posted by Perfessor5646

Do y’all think this needs to go to an authorized service center? Both pieces are out of warranty so there is no deadline

Nope. Just take a deep breath and remember it's lefty loosy when looking at it from below. Then, take something like a screwdriver with a bit of cloth around the tip and carefully push in the ribbed knob surface in the direction to loosen. A little bit at a time, and before you know it, it will be loose. Take care as to not slip and don't gouge a groove int he side of the camera or the grip.

MarkJerling · 05-01-2019, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by pentasonic49

I think you may have to try a little WD40 from the back unless someone on the forum knows better. It can be wiped off with tissues later.

Stay away from the WD40.

MarkJerling · 05-01-2019, 01:15 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Michaelina2

Try this...taking tiny steps at a time.

Place a dull screwdriver point on the release ring grip bump that's closest to the face of the grip (see picts, below).

Holding the driver perpendicular to the grip face, slowly add pressure to the bump until the ring turns a tiny bit and starts to loosen.

Adjust the screw driver point to the next-up bump and slowly apply pressure unlit the ring turns, again... repeat, one bump at a time, until the ring is loose enought for you to finger grip it and complete the task.

Worked for me.

Good luck... M

Yup, this is the method I was writing about. But I put a fine cloth around the screwdriver head so as to avoid scratches. Well explained - thanks!

**Perfessor5646** · 05-01-2019, 02:13 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Michaelina2

Try this...taking tiny steps at a time.

Place a dull screwdriver point on the release ring grip bump that's closest to the face of the grip (see picts, below).

Holding the driver perpendicular to the grip face, slowly add pressure to the bump until the ring turns a tiny bit and starts to loosen.

Adjust the screw driver point to the next-up bump and slowly apply pressure unlit the ring turns, again... repeat, one bump at a time, until the ring is loose enought for you to finger grip it and complete the task.

Worked for me.

Good luck... M

That’s the ticket!!! Thanks to you send all y’all who responded so promptly.

**catfishjohn** · 05-01-2019, 03:32 PM - **2 Likes**

I had the same problem with mine and used the screwdriver method to loosen. The thing seems to become tighter by itself somehow. After two episodes I now barely snug the thing and have had no more problems. I thought I had barely snugged the thing the second time it happened, but I was wrong.

**Riggomatic** · 05-01-2019, 03:36 PM - **1 Like**

I may be a little late, but maybe put some masking tape along either side of the area you'll be tapping with the screwdriver.
It might save a little scuffing.

Cambo · 12-05-2021, 03:34 PM

Originally posted by Perfessor5646

The knurled wheel on the battery grip will not turn in either direction. There is a minuscule amount of vertical flop. Being a slender senior citizen and already losing upper body strength, I cannot imagine that I over tightened it to the point I nor two former marines cannot turn it.

Righty tighty, lefty loosey. Correct? As best as I recall there is no other locking mechanism.

It is not an immediate catastrophe in that the camera works off the battery in the battery grip but I wanted to recharge the battery in the body

I’m assuming traditional techniques for removing stubborn lids, running it under hot water faucet or tapping it on the edge of a counter are not good ideas. Nor is a liberal application of WD40.

Do y’all think this needs to go to an authorized service center? Both pieces are out of warranty so there is no deadline.

Take it to a mechanic or a construction worker. They'll have it off in one second.

They do have a tendency to stick. Once off, put some Vaseline on the thread. It could be a galvanic reaction.

Cheers,
Cameron

35mmfilmfan · 12-06-2021, 07:36 AM

Originally posted by Cambo

They do have a tendency to stick. Once off, put some Vaseline on the thread. It could be a galvanic reaction.

Cheers,
Cameron

Would not dry graphite lubricant be better ?

**Just1MoreDave** · 12-06-2021, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan

Would not dry graphite lubricant be better ?

I got curious about galvanic reactions and did a search. This page says (about 2/3 down) that graphite is "a known initiator of galvanic corrosion"! Well, who knew.

Why You Should Change to Non-Metallic-Based Thread Lubricants, Pastes, and Sealants - Reliability Matters

Then I looked at a galvanic table, a list of materials that show how likely they will exchange ions with each other to cause galvanic corrosion. It's important in applications where two metals are used, if you want the metals to last. General rule of thumb, use metals that are close to each other on the chart. The camera mount is stainless steel, which isn't all that specific as there are many alloys. I don't know what the grip's screw is made of. But graphite is way at one end of the chart, so I see why it wouldn't be good.

**photogem** · 12-06-2021, 12:17 PM

Instead of critical WD40:
Loctite Silver Grade Anti-Seize

When loosening the ribbed knob: At the same time push the battery-grip towards the camera! That loosens the stress.

05-01-2019, 12:00 PM	#1
Perfessor5646 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Louisville, KY Photos: Albums Posts: 605	Can’t remove Battery Grip from K3-II. The knurled wheel on the battery grip will not turn in either direction. There is a minuscule amount of vertical flop. Being a slender senior citizen and already losing upper body strength, I cannot imagine that I over tightened it to the point I nor two former marines cannot turn it. Righty tighty, lefty loosey. Correct? As best as I recall there is no other locking mechanism. It is not an immediate catastrophe in that the camera works off the battery in the battery grip but I wanted to recharge the battery in the body I’m assuming traditional techniques for removing stubborn lids, running it under hot water faucet or tapping it on the edge of a counter are not good ideas. Nor is a liberal application of WD40. Do y’all think this needs to go to an authorized service center? Both pieces are out of warranty so there is no deadline.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: SOLD: Pentax K3 II and Pentax Battery Grip	pastorbbc	Sold Items	2	05-25-2018 11:50 AM
Remove grip for battery?	Moropo	Pentax DSLR Discussion	8	02-27-2016 05:33 PM
Can K3 use two batteries at the same time? (Battery grip and inbody)	enyceckk	Pentax DSLR Discussion	4	11-09-2014 09:41 AM
ME: Trying to remove top cover but can't remove knobs	Capslock118	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	10	08-06-2011 11:30 AM
How do you remove the dust that cannot be remove by the blower?	rustynail925	Pentax DSLR Discussion	3	07-31-2010 10:39 AM

05-01-2019, 01:08 PM	#2
pentasonic49 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: weston-super-mare Posts: 395	I think you may have to try a little WD40 from the back unless someone on the forum knows better. It can be wiped off with tissues later.

05-01-2019, 01:14 PM - 1 Like	#3
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by Perfessor5646 The knurled wheel on the battery grip will not turn in either direction. There is a minuscule amount of vertical flop. Being a slender senior citizen and already losing upper body strength, I cannot imagine that I over tightened it to the point I nor two former marines cannot turn it. Yup, you've over tightened it. Originally posted by Perfessor5646 Righty tighty, lefty loosey. Correct? As best as I recall there is no other locking mechanism. Yup. Originally posted by Perfessor5646 I’m assuming traditional techniques for removing stubborn lids, running it under hot water faucet or tapping it on the edge of a counter are not good ideas. Nor is a liberal application of WD40. Indeed. Originally posted by Perfessor5646 Do y’all think this needs to go to an authorized service center? Both pieces are out of warranty so there is no deadline Nope. Just take a deep breath and remember it's lefty loosy when looking at it from below. Then, take something like a screwdriver with a bit of cloth around the tip and carefully push in the ribbed knob surface in the direction to loosen. A little bit at a time, and before you know it, it will be loose. Take care as to not slip and don't gouge a groove int he side of the camera or the grip.

05-01-2019, 01:14 PM	#4
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by pentasonic49 I think you may have to try a little WD40 from the back unless someone on the forum knows better. It can be wiped off with tissues later. Stay away from the WD40.

05-01-2019, 01:15 PM - 1 Like	#5
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by Michaelina2 Try this...taking tiny steps at a time. Place a dull screwdriver point on the release ring grip bump that's closest to the face of the grip (see picts, below). Holding the driver perpendicular to the grip face, slowly add pressure to the bump until the ring turns a tiny bit and starts to loosen. Adjust the screw driver point to the next-up bump and slowly apply pressure unlit the ring turns, again... repeat, one bump at a time, until the ring is loose enought for you to finger grip it and complete the task. Worked for me. Good luck... M Yup, this is the method I was writing about. But I put a fine cloth around the screwdriver head so as to avoid scratches. Well explained - thanks!

05-01-2019, 02:13 PM - 2 Likes	#6
Perfessor5646 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Louisville, KY Photos: Albums Posts: 605 Original Poster	Originally posted by Michaelina2 Try this...taking tiny steps at a time. Place a dull screwdriver point on the release ring grip bump that's closest to the face of the grip (see picts, below). Holding the driver perpendicular to the grip face, slowly add pressure to the bump until the ring turns a tiny bit and starts to loosen. Adjust the screw driver point to the next-up bump and slowly apply pressure unlit the ring turns, again... repeat, one bump at a time, until the ring is loose enought for you to finger grip it and complete the task. Worked for me. Good luck... M That’s the ticket!!! Thanks to you send all y’all who responded so promptly.

05-01-2019, 03:32 PM - 2 Likes	#7
catfishjohn Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Arkansas Posts: 137	I had the same problem with mine and used the screwdriver method to loosen. The thing seems to become tighter by itself somehow. After two episodes I now barely snug the thing and have had no more problems. I thought I had barely snugged the thing the second time it happened, but I was wrong.

05-01-2019, 03:36 PM - 1 Like	#8
Riggomatic Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Auburn, Indiana Photos: Albums Posts: 3,885	I may be a little late, but maybe put some masking tape along either side of the area you'll be tapping with the screwdriver. It might save a little scuffing.

12-05-2021, 03:34 PM	#9
Cambo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,016	Originally posted by Perfessor5646 The knurled wheel on the battery grip will not turn in either direction. There is a minuscule amount of vertical flop. Being a slender senior citizen and already losing upper body strength, I cannot imagine that I over tightened it to the point I nor two former marines cannot turn it. Righty tighty, lefty loosey. Correct? As best as I recall there is no other locking mechanism. It is not an immediate catastrophe in that the camera works off the battery in the battery grip but I wanted to recharge the battery in the body I’m assuming traditional techniques for removing stubborn lids, running it under hot water faucet or tapping it on the edge of a counter are not good ideas. Nor is a liberal application of WD40. Do y’all think this needs to go to an authorized service center? Both pieces are out of warranty so there is no deadline. Take it to a mechanic or a construction worker. They'll have it off in one second. They do have a tendency to stick. Once off, put some Vaseline on the thread. It could be a galvanic reaction. Cheers, Cameron

12-06-2021, 07:36 AM	#10
35mmfilmfan Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 4,329	Originally posted by Cambo They do have a tendency to stick. Once off, put some Vaseline on the thread. It could be a galvanic reaction. Cheers, Cameron Would not dry graphite lubricant be better ?

12-06-2021, 10:24 AM	#11
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan Would not dry graphite lubricant be better ? I got curious about galvanic reactions and did a search. This page says (about 2/3 down) that graphite is "a known initiator of galvanic corrosion"! Well, who knew. Why You Should Change to Non-Metallic-Based Thread Lubricants, Pastes, and Sealants - Reliability Matters Then I looked at a galvanic table, a list of materials that show how likely they will exchange ions with each other to cause galvanic corrosion. It's important in applications where two metals are used, if you want the metals to last. General rule of thumb, use metals that are close to each other on the chart. The camera mount is stainless steel, which isn't all that specific as there are many alloys. I don't know what the grip's screw is made of. But graphite is way at one end of the chart, so I see why it wouldn't be good.

12-06-2021, 12:17 PM	#12
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,520	Instead of critical WD40: Loctite Silver Grade Anti-Seize When loosening the ribbed knob: At the same time push the battery-grip towards the camera! That loosens the stress.