by cannonfodder on Mon Aug 22, 2011 11:19 am
Standard portafilter. Steel stud in the handle screwed into the portafilter. It is held on with thread locker and will be difficult to get off. Heat the portafilter head up with a torch. Get it real hot where the handle screws into the head. That will break down the thread locker. Grab the portafilter head with a couple oven pot holders; grab the plastic handle and twist. It should unscrew but be careful of that portafilter head. When I say hot, I mean get it real hot, the pot holders will scorch and smoke. Don't drop the portafilter head when it is that hot and do not drop it in water to cool it. Get it unscrewed and set it in a dry stainless steel sink to let it cool down slowly. If you don't have a gas torch, you can use the burner on a gas cook top which is what I do now.
Dave Stephens