Stuck bottom ring on reel seat

[Jay Fogle]

Hi

I bought a "quality" brand 3wt. flyrod back in June. Used it several times and love it!

However, I went to use it a few days ago and the lower ring that holds the reel on is stuck fast to the upper ring. I stored the rod with the butt section "butt up" and the ring was loose and of course slid down to the top ring. Well I guess the wooden spacer expanded due to humidity and now the thing is locked up tighter than Ft. Knox.

Anyone else ever have this issue? I called the manufacturer and they were "very sorry" and told me to mail it to them and they would send me a new one FREE right away. (Their warranty usually has a $25 fee so that was a positive). I asked if they knew of a way to get it unstuck - I don't really need a new one, I just want this one to work. They said to put it in a dry place for a couple of days - which I already tried. Anyhow - they were very helpful and nice about it and I will buy from them again. But I'd still like to just get this one unstuck so I can use it right away.

Any ideas? I thought maybe freezing it overnight? Metal and wood don't expand and contract at the same rate - but I think this would have the effect of making the metal even tighter ?
Thanks
Jay

[Jay Fogle]

Good idea Dick!

I think I will call the manufacturer before I do that since they already agreed to replace if for free. Because if it doesn't work and I send it back and they "dissect" it I think it would be better if they knew ahead of time that I tried the spray.

Jay