I was removing the 8 bolts that hold a Tokheim 850 visigauge together and making good progress. When I started on number 8, the entire bottom of the outside glass cylinder cracked all the way around and two pieces shot out across my work bench. About 3 minutes later, two shards of glass popped straight up from the bottom ring that was still anchored in the white sealant. I have heard of this happening to a visible cylinder and now I know that it can happen to a visigauge cylinder as well. The mistake was far less costly than doing the same thing on a visible cylinder.
Joe
I'm not sure I would call it a mistake Joe. I don't mess with visibles much but from what I have been told there is not really any safe way to take any of the old glass parts apart without the risk of them shattering unexpectedly. I worked for three weeks trying to remove sight glasses from my Erie 70 top, finally breaking both to get them out. It seems that the combination of the years of being under pressure in a fixed position, changes in temperature, and the forces of removing what holds the glass just ends up causing the old glass to give up the ghost. I just hate being beat by something like that though!....GB
Been there, done that! But there is reproduction visi glass available.
Already placed an order with Ron Scobie.
It may seem obvious and maybe you did this but the bolts for a cylinder or any similar bolt pattern need to be loosened/tightened together a little at a time following a cross pattern that keeps pressure equal all the way around just like tightening a wheel or cylinder head. There's no guarantee that'll always work especially dealing with glass but if you just loosen and take one out at a time breakage is almost a guarantee.
That’s one of those, “come on are ya freaking kidding me explitive” moments. Also a good reason to wear safety glasses when working on projects.
The safety glasses were on.