Originally Posted by
Ghrumpy
Patience is clearly not a problem for [MENTION=342713]Jicafold[/MENTION]
I agree, shock can help loosen stuck parts. IME however, the amount of shock that is required can deform aluminum stems, so it has to be judiciously applied in ways and spots that will not cause cosmetic or structural problems. Seems to me that if the OP didn't care how the stem came out looking after beating with a hammer and punch, they would have cut it off long ago. Something softer than the aluminum would be better, and a hardwood block between the stem and the hammer has been the best way I've found to transmit the shock while preventing damage.
You present a good point. I made my comments only thinking of myself, and how I would do it. In my opinion, a stem or seatpost that is stuck severely enough to warrant breaking out the hammer deserves what it gets. I would never reuse it, and straight into the metal bin it would go.