Releasing stuck handles on ElectroMechanicals

[Neonkiss]

A re-post from Oldreno...

Releasing stuck handles on ElectroMechanicals.

5 known ways.
1. As you pull gently on the handle, simultaneously push on the pump arm on the right side of the reel mech.
2. Reach waaay up behind the right side of the reel mech. Pull out the hopper, reach up with your left arm into the right rear corner of the machine and you'll feel a lever arm about in the middle of the back of the handle. It's about 3/4 inch by 1, I think, and sits horizontally.  Release pressure by slightly pulling down on the handle arm, and pull down on the release lever.  That should free the handle.
3. Drill a 1/2 inch or so hole in the center of the handle hub, and see if the handle securing bolt has a slot in it. Sometimes you can get lucky and unscrew the handle bolt to the inside, enough to release the reels.
4. Get two long screwdrivers and try to pop the 2 latch lock levers free from lock mechanism. Be careful. Don't get your fingers in there.
5. Break off the hub with a hammer and drill out the bolt.  Then try to pop off the handle fork from the 1/2 gear on the reel mech.  Big John used to snap off the handle for us on the floor so we could get the reels out & replace the handle.  Worked occasionally.
There are a lot of ways for the handle to lock up, & each situation requires different brain cells. Sometimes if you're lucky you can get the reels out, and sometimes not. Once the reels are out, it's usually no problem.
oldreno