AT PRO Owners don't do what I did !!! ( Broke my detector )

Garbagepicker · Jul 31, 2015

Just a warning to others. I had my upper cam lock become frozen in place for some reason. Attempting to unlock the cam lock and not thinking I used my control box as a point of leverage with the palm of my hand. I was really cranking on the cam when I broke the control box off the handle. I was immediately disgusted and pissed off with myself. I called Garrett today admitting my stupidity and it's going in for a new control box housing which they described as an easy repair. When a cam lock freezes up it can be very frustrating and my frustration and determination to unlock that cam lock got the best of me. Yes, the cam lock unlocked when I broke the control box off the handle go figure. So keep a cool head if you have a cam lock freeze up and don't do what I did

goodmore · Jul 31, 2015

I had a cam lock freeze up on my AT Pro after one beach hunt. At the time I thought it was a major weakness of the AT Pro. I sold that detector. I'm not sure if Garrett ever did a design change or not. If they did not I would cut the cam off and install one of plugger's shaft locks.

Grumpysrb · Jul 31, 2015

Can't remember, but I think Garrett did make a change to the cam locks after the first run of machines. I haven't had the problem, but, if I do I will remember not to push on the housing.

Rudy · Jul 31, 2015

Garbagepicker said:
Just a warning to others. I had my upper cam lock become frozen in place for some reason. Attempting to unlock the cam lock and not thinking I used my control box as a point of leverage with the palm of my hand. I was really cranking on the cam when I broke the control box off the handle. I was immediately disgusted and pissed off with myself. I called Garrett today admitting my stupidity and it's going in for a new control box housing which they described as an easy repair. When a cam lock freezes up it can be very frustrating and my frustration and determination to unlock that cam lock got the best of me. Yes, the cam lock unlocked when I broke the control box off the handle go figure. So keep a cool head if you have a cam lock freeze up and don't do what I did

What every detectorist should have in their tool arsenal is a pair of rubber strap pipe wrenches such as these. http://www.harborfreight.com/2-pc-rubber-strap-wrench-set-69373.html

Cheap investment but it can't be beat. Specially if you've ever had the cam locks in a beach detector freeze on you because of sand or corrosion.

Garbagepicker · Jul 31, 2015

goodmore said:
I had a cam lock freeze up on my AT Pro after one beach hunt. At the time I thought it was a major weakness of the AT Pro. I sold that detector. I'm not sure if Garrett ever did a design change or not. If they did not I would cut the cam off and install one of plugger's shaft locks.

Would you be able to to direct me to someone I could purchase that style of cam lock from ? These twist tighten cam locks are more trouble then they are worth. I'm suspecting it may have been sand as the area I was in has a very sandy soil.

Garbagepicker · Jul 31, 2015

Rudy said:
What every detectorist should have in their tool arsenal is a pair of rubber strap pipe wrenches such as these. http://www.harborfreight.com/2-pc-rubber-strap-wrench-set-69373.html

Cheap investment but it can't be beat. Specially if you've ever had the cam locks in a beach detector freeze on you because of sand or corrosion.

Umm, now why didn't I think of that !!! Great Idea.

tnsharpshooter · Jul 31, 2015

I have a friend I'll pass this great info along to.

goodmore · Aug 1, 2015

Would you be able to to direct me to someone I could purchase that style of cam lock from ?

http://indiannationsdetectors.com/shaftlock.html

Make sure you get the Garrett diameter.

khouse · Aug 1, 2015

Hob-e-Lube works wonders on those parts. Make sure you lube them before they get stuck. It's just dry graphite you purchase at any store.

Digger-Dave · Aug 4, 2015

Garbagepicker said:
Just a warning to others. I had my upper cam lock become frozen in place for some reason. Attempting to unlock the cam lock and not thinking I used my control box as a point of leverage with the palm of my hand. I was really cranking on the cam when I broke the control box off the handle.....

Last year my hunting buddy had his machine break in that same place. :shock:

The control box mounting is still a weak spot.

I just try to be careful when handling my machine.

Just be aware, you AT Pro users. :shock:

AT PRO Owners don't do what I did !!! ( Broke my detector )

Garbagepicker

Full Member

goodmore

Grumpysrb

Rudy

Garbagepicker

Full Member

Garbagepicker

Full Member

tnsharpshooter

Supporter

goodmore

khouse

Digger-Dave

Similar threads