Torque wrench stuck locked

bought this craftsman 3/8” torque wrench on clearance at Sears about a year ago. I only used it once and I sprayed it with some chemical to clean oil off and it glued the lock ring stuck. Can’t unlock it and can’t adjust the torque setting so it is unusable now. Any ideas on how this can be salvaged? I have a larger 1/2” 20-150 and it’s been tested to be very accurate within 1lb ft of the settings. Would appreciate any help, thanks and God bless.

 

Maybe try droppin’ it in some diesel fuel overnight. Might free it up some.

 

try immersing it in hot water soak maybe it will release? its a Craftsman so you can still get your money back although Sears/Kmart stores are going/went out of business. theres got to be a way to get it unlocked

 

I tried once to force it open with some channel locks and marred the handle surface. Would. I think I sprayed it would either wd40 or brake cleaner and it dissolved some of the paint off.

I think it was CRC brake clean with acetone in it. That’s what damaged the plastic.

 

i would try either one, maybe it will dissolve the stuff you cleaned it with enough to get unlocked

 

Will try boiling water first.

 

Yep I'd try diesel or kerosene.

 

it would be cleaner than wd40 or solvents, i think the red ring needs to get broke loose while the black handle stays stationary

 

Will try these suggestions out. Want to do head gaskets using this tool if possible.

 

how about taking a razor or razor knife and try slicing into the glued groove maybe it will slice open(be carefull)

 

Thanks guys. The boiling water soak worked, took 5 min guys. Broke the ring loose with my Chanel locks with a satisfying snap. Going to get this certified soon and do my head gaskets. Thanks and God bless you guys. Everything is possible in Jesus Christ!

 

nice!