Dillon 550B Handle Will Not Slide In

[Mortify]

Replaced a broken crank on my 550B. The old handle would not come out easily and needed to be threaded out. The instructions to install the new crank make it appear that it should just slide into place. The lack of threads in the crank back that up, but the handle won't budge no matter how it's aligned.

Were older handles threaded into the crank and I have a mismatch? How else can I install the handle?

[m700]

I dont think so but if its been in there for a long time there is a lot of surface area that could have surface rust.

 

you say theres no thread on the press is there a thread (aside from the last 3/4") on the handle?

[dillon]

The smooth shank of the handle is a very snug slip-fit. If necessary, apply some very light oil to this area, so the handle can slide in easier.

[Smokey99]

My 550 from 1984 is threaded. A lock washer plus two flat washers above the crank and flat washer and nut below.

[RudyVey]

45 minutes ago, Smokey99 said:

My 550 from 1984 is threaded. A lock washer plus two flat washers above the crank and flat washer and nut below.

Both of mine, and I think they might be about 10 years old have the same: washer on top,  and washer and lock-nut on from the bottom. I have upgraded to the handle that is angled, with rollergrip, and both the old straight ones have also a thread and nuts.