GHD Hinge Pin Won't Come Undone

There are two reasons for this:

On all models this screw can be very tight. It may feel like you are about to break something, but infact it will make a loud crack and then come loose. If you are struggling to get the screw undone, then make sure you are using the correct screw drivers that fit the screws (before the heads get damaged!) and have a look at step 2 of these instructions for the method we use.
For some reason the 601 variant of GHD3 can be very stuck. We've had a few examples, where we just could not get them apart. If you have the right equipment, then it is possible to drill out the hinge pin, however it is quite difficult. The only other method involves breaking one of the arms and then using a dremel to cut the hinge pin in half so that it can be removed.

If you can't get the hinge pin undone, you can try drilling the hinge pin out (this can be tricky!) or you can make use of Kevin's top tip:

Use screwdrivers as normal but once the screwdriver slips on one of the screws use a dremmel with a cutting disk to cut a slot for a flat blade screwdriver. This does damage the plastic around the screw a little but it's covered once the iron goes back together. Make sure that you use a large flat blade the same size as the screw and retry. You will find you can get more torque now and i have had 100% success with this method and all parts can be re-used

Trevor B has sent us some photos of this method in action:

First: grind a slot with a Dremmell into the bolt

Second: grip a stubby flat-head screwdriver in the vice

Thirdly: locate your new slot into the stubby in the vice

Fourthly: with loads of downward pressure undo the top bolt with a phillips stubby

Footnote from Trevor - Forgot to mention the requirement of a tub of washing tablets, these are needed to support the end of the irons. If these are't available, under no circumstances should you buy some yourself of course. Send the wife out.

Replacment hinge pins are available if you need one. Have a look on our shop and email us if you can't find the one you need.

This page was last updated at 10:29pm on 20th April 2011