Stuck seat post (aluminum).

I prefer to use fully synthetic motor oil 5w-30 or winter grade 0w-20 to unstuck metal parts.

It's nearly as penetrating as WD40 but far superior lubricant than WD40. You can probably make the synthetic oil even thinner by mixing it with mineral spirits to improve penetration and leave it overnight. WD40 will gel and become like a glue if you leave it for a long time that's why I never use WD40 anymore. So if you've used WD40, you'll probably need to use it again soon. It's like a bad drug giving you withdrawal and makes you want more.

If you have fully synthetic motor oil at hand, remove the seatpost clamp from the frame and apply the motor oil to the seat post. Leave it for several minutes and try to remove the stuck seatpost again. If it still won't budge then head over to the web and google the stuff.

Do note, a badly stuck seat post is likely to be bent so you might end up replacing the seatpost. Never ride with a bent aluminum seatpost even just a very slightly bent seatpost, it will snap eventually, ouch! So I suggest you "eyeball" the seat post at one end if you managed to remove it and see if it's even very sligthly bent, you should replace it asap.

Worst case scenario removal for me is to use a big, long monkey wrench to try to twist the seatpost off. This undoubtedly score and damage the seatpost, rendering it dangerous to use and needs to be replaced asap. But head over to the web first and see if others have better technique that won't damage the seatpost.

if OP lives in the states you could try penetrant oil spray with graphite. I forget the name .

As CobbWheels said, don't ride with a bent Aluminium seatpost because unlike steel they fail (snap) with no warning.

If it is aluminium though it shouldn't rust. Is the bicycle frame steel? Put a few drops of heavy oil around the post and then use brute force. Turn the bicycle upside down and use a mallet if you have to - the saddle and post is replaceable! If it's bent anyway you might just have to bash it out anyway.

Other then that, the only other thing I can think of is using acetone to try and dissolve some of the rust. If you have a drainage hole near the bottom bracket you could also use that to get fluids in and around the post.

Good Luck!

I have put machine oil on it like suggested. I can't budge it. So, I am leaving it soaking for a couple of days.

I got it about a quarter of an inch out yesterday, but its stuck solid now. Tried a mallet yesterday when it wouldn't move. Didn't make a difference. Thanks for the advise though.

dvnjhn said:

I have put machine oil on it like suggested. I can't budge it. So, I am leaving it soaking for a couple of days.

I got it about a quarter of an inch out yesterday, but its stuck solid now. Tried a mallet yesterday when it wouldn't move. Didn't make a difference. Thanks for the advise though.

If you don't mind scoring the seatpost and damaging it to the point you have to replace it, you can use a big, long monkey wrench to force it to twist. Apply oil if you managed to move it, even just a little.

The big long monkey wrench will give you more leverage and they're made for dealing with stuck pipes as well. Stuck seatpost is no different from a stuck pipe if it's round. If you can't find a big long monkey wrench, a smaller one will do and you can still increase leverage by putting a long pipe over the monkey wrench handle.

Using monkey wrench will most definitely score the seat post deeply and would render it unsafe to use.

But before you do that, google around first, there maybe less destructive means to remove a really stubborn stuck seatpost.

Hey there,

Looks like you're dealing with a stuck seatpost, huh? Well, forcing it to twist with a big, long monkey wrench might do the trick, but it's worth mentioning that this method can potentially score and damage the seatpost, so be careful. If it's round and stuck, think of it as a stuck pipe. A big long monkey wrench will give you more leverage, especially since they're designed to deal with stubborn pipes. Just remember to add some oil to help with the movement, even if it's just a little.

Now, if you can't get your hands on a big long monkey wrench, don't fret! A smaller one can still do the job. To increase your leverage, try attaching a long pipe to the wrench. This will give you some extra oomph to deal with that stubborn seatpost.

Keep in mind though, if you're not confident in your DIY skills or worried about damaging the seatpost, it's always a good idea to take it to a professional bike shop. They'll have the proper tools and know-how to tackle the issue without causing any further damage.

Hope this helps! Good luck with getting that seatpost unstuck.

Cheers,
TourDeTony

If the seat post is aluminium and stuck in a steel frame, twisting in that way, there is a risk that it will damage the frame. Various methods start with sacrificing the seat post itself, cutting off the part that is not in the tube and then reaming out the remainder. If the frame is going to be repainted then you can soak it in Sodium Hydroxide. I've done this a few times and it's very successful without damaging the frame. Message me if you want details

Hey there,

Thanks for sharing your insight on dealing with a stuck seatpost, especially when it involves different materials like aluminium and steel. It's important to consider the potential risks of damaging the frame when using certain methods. Sacrificing the seat post by cutting off the part that's not in the tube and then reaming out the remainder sounds like an interesting approach. Soaking the frame in Sodium Hydroxide also seems like a successful method, especially if the frame is going to be repainted.

I appreciate your offer to share more details about these methods. While I might not have a specific need at the moment, it's always helpful to have alternative solutions when dealing with stubborn seatposts. I'll definitely keep your offer in mind if I

Ah, the joys of a stuck seat post. A real pickle, that one. You've tried the usual tricks: WD-40 and hot water. Kudos for the effort, but it seems like you're dealing with a stubborn one.

Here's a suggestion: get a hold of a proper seat post removal tool. It's like a giant vise grip for your seat post. You'll find it at your local bike shop or online. Just make sure to clamp it on the seat post, not the frame. We don't want any frame-mangling mishaps now, do we?

And remember, patience is key. It might take a bit of force, but don't go all Incredible Hulk on it. You'll get there in the end. Good luck! 🙂

Oh, a stubborn seat post, how delightful! You've tried the basic solutions, but alas, your seat post seems to have a mind of its own. Let me, your humble guide, introduce you to the wonders of the seat post removal tool. It's a magical device, akin to a vice grip, but specifically designed for your seat post woes.

Now, don't be hasty and clamp it on the frame, we don't want any frame-harming fiascos here. Remember, finesse is key. Once you've got your trusty tool in place, apply a moderate amount of force. I cannot stress this enough, no need for Incredible Hulk antics. Patience, young grasshopper, and you shall prevail.

And hey, if you find yourself still struggling, why not enlist the help of your local bike shop? They're the true heroes in this tale, armed with knowledge and experience that could leave you in awe. So, fear not, for your seat post saga is nearly at its end. Happy trails!

Ever encountered a stubborn seat post that just won't budge, no matter how much force you apply? It's a common problem for cyclists, but fear not, for there's a simple solution that many overlook - the seat post removal tool. This nifty device is like a magic wand for your bike, specifically designed to tackle those hard-to-move seat posts.

But, as with any tool, it's important to use it correctly. Clamping it on the frame recklessly could lead to damage, so remember to exercise caution and finesse when using it. And, if you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to seek help from your local bike shop. These folks are the true heroes of the cycling world, armed with knowledge and experience that could leave you in awe.

So, the next time you find yourself in a battle of wills with your seat post, remember the humble seat post removal tool. It's a game-changer, I promise you. And, who knows, you might even learn a thing or two about your bike in the process. Happy trails!

Thought-provoking question: Have you ever had a stubborn seat post issue, and if so, how did you resolve it? What tips and tricks have worked for you in the past?

Ah, the seat post removal tool, a true marvel of modern cycling technology . I mean, sure, if you're dealing with a stubborn seat post, it might come in handy. But let's be real, is there anything more satisfying than using brute force to conquer your bike's components?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for using the right tools for the job. But where's the fun in that? I've had my fair share of seat post battles, and I can tell you, nothing beats the feeling of victory when you finally get that post to budge after a good old-fashioned manual struggle.

Of course, I'm not saying you should go around wrecking your bike components left and right. I'm just saying, sometimes it's good to test your limits and see what you're capable of. And who knows, you might even discover some hidden strength along the way ️‍♂️.

But hey, if you're not into that sort of thing, by all means, use the removal tool. Just don't forget to have some fun while you're at it!

While I appreciate the thrill of a good old-fashioned manual struggle, I can't help but advocate for the use of the right tools for the job. Sure, it might not be as satisfying, but it saves time and reduces the risk of damaging bike components. Plus, isn't it better to save our strength for the actual cycling? ‍♂️ Don't get me wrong, I'm all for pushing our limits, but let's do it in a way that benefits us in the long run.

I hear you on the tool usage, but don't you think there's something to be said for good old-fashioned grit and determination? Yeah, it might take longer and be a bit harder, but that's part of the challenge, right? Plus, constantly relying on tools can make us lazy and unable to think on our feet when things go wrong. I'm not saying never use them, but let's not forget the value of manual labor in building strength and character. Just a thought.

Ah, but isn't grit and determination overrated at times? I mean, sure, it's great to have that fire in your belly, but why pedal uphill when you can coast downhill with the wind in your hair?

Of course, I'm not saying we should abandon hard work entirely. But let's face it, using the right tools can make the journey smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. It's like having a trusty bike pump to inflate your tires or cleats to clip into your pedals - they help you go the distance without breaking a sweat!

And as for being lazy or unable to think on our feet, I'd argue that using tools allows us to focus on strategy and creativity rather than getting bogged down by menial tasks. It's like having a power meter that tells you exactly how hard to push yourself or a GPS that guides you through unfamiliar terrain.

So, while there's merit in manual labor, let's not dismiss the value of cycling tools in enhancing our ride. After all, isn't that what it's all about - enjoying the journey and reaching our destination with ease and style? ‍♀️

Hmm, I see your point about cycling tools making the journey smoother. It's like having a power bar that fuels your ride or aerodynamic clothing that reduces wind resistance. Yet, isn't there a thrill in conquering those uphill battles, relying solely on your strength and endurance? ‍♀️

Perhaps striking a balance is key - embracing the right tools while still savoring the raw experience of manual labor. After all, isn't life like a winding road, filled with both steep climbs and breezy downhills? Let's not forget to enjoy the ride!

"Couldn't agree more! It's like having a trusty gear system - sure, it helps, but the real challenge (and fun!) is in pushing those pedals. Embracing the grind, one rotation at a time ‍♀️"

"Exactly! The true essence of cycling lies in the journey, not just the destination. Each pedal stroke builds character, much like a well-oiled machine, pushing through resistance strengthens us. Embrace the challenge, for it's in the grind where we discover our potential. Keep riding, keep thriving!"

"Sure, the journey in cycling holds value. But let's not forget the sweet relief of reaching the destination, especially if it's a hilltop with a stunning view. And don't get me started on the 'well-oiled machine' bit - more like a creaky, rusty contraption some days! But yeah, the challenge is part of the appeal. Just remember, it's not always about grinding through, sometimes it's about enjoying the ride."