Well, my peppina has been in pieces for a few weeks now, and I have some replacement parts on order, but I know I won't feel that I have cleaned it up enough if I don't get the element out all the way. When I take the spring-loaded plate out from where the ceramic plug connects to the element, however, I don't know what I can or should use to unscrew whatever it is that holds the element in place. It is threaded, but there are only two small slots around the element plugs, and I don't know how to unscrew them. I doubt that this description is very clear, but has anyone taken the element out of their peppina, and if so, how did you do it?

cheers,

Jason

jobober wrote:Well, my peppina has been in pieces for a few weeks now, and I have some replacement parts on order, but I know I won't feel that I have cleaned it up enough if I don't get the element out all the way. ....

I would optimize rather than maximize in this instance. You can remove built-up limescale from the Peppina's element in situ. Rest easy in the knowledge that it is 99.44% pure.

Regards
Timo

jobober wrote:Well, my peppina has been in pieces for a few weeks now, and I have some replacement parts on order, but I know I won't feel that I have cleaned it up enough if I don't get the element out all the way. When I take the spring-loaded plate out from where the ceramic plug connects to the element, however, I don't know what I can or should use to unscrew whatever it is that holds the element in place. It is threaded, but there are only two small slots around the element plugs, and I don't know how to unscrew them. I doubt that this description is very clear, but has anyone taken the element out of their peppina, and if so, how did you do it?

cheers,

Jason

Did anyone ever figure out the answer to this? While I will optimize, I'd prefer to take the element out to do the de-scaling. And it is a devil of an arrangement to work around those electrical pins without doing them any harm. Is there a special tool for this? Doug...help?

If you want to throw caution to the wind, you would need something like the spanner security bit in the picture, but with a hollow shaft, like these spanner wrenches, so that it would fit over the prong. You might be able to fashion something from a length of pipe.

I made mine from a deep socket and ground off the reim to make the two spanner slots. Takes some time to make the tool but it seems the only thing that works is to make one....an old style spark plug socket....the kind that has a big and small end....they come with chain saws and sometimes import car tool sets is softer steel than a regular socket but by using a 3/8" socket you can use a ratchet and just proceed like it is any old job. I'll check the socket size. Actually started using silicone o rings for the seals as well, like in an Elektra MCAL and they feel very good for a seal rather than the old fibre washers....anc cheaper too.

In the surplus electronic stores around here (San Jose, CA area) you can find security bit sets for security bolts. They run about $10-$20 for 30+ different sizes, perhaps one would fit and avoid scratching or having to build your own tool.

Ah, found some online: SECURITY BIT SETS

Mark

Very helpful, thank you.