Reusing the PTFE barrier

Long story short – it’s possible.

I was concerned that after having PLA ooze through the threads that I would be forced to use my backup PTFE barrier.  However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to discover that I can print just fine with my reassembled unclogged extruder.  I’ve been able to print several things without so much as a hiccup.

So be delicate with your PTFE even after plastic has oozed into the threads – you may just be able to use it if you can clear out the plastic from the threads.

Cracking a tough nut

Dave M. posted his process for removing a threaded barrel from his PTFE insulator, and it’s brilliant.  I was wondering how to do this since I may want to get my heater barrel out of the nozzle.  But, how to do it without having to some plyers, vice, or some other crushing instrument on the threads?!

  • Screw on one nut, a washer, and another nut.
  • Put the PTFE in a vice
  • Put a wrench on the nut below the washer
  • Muscles!