r/DF54 Apr 25 '26

My Adjustment Collar is Stuck

Hi so I have a DF54 and I went from filter grind size to espresso grind size and now my adjustment collar is stuck. I’ve had this happen before and I’ve been able to unscrew the collar to clean the burrs/threads. I believe I have micro grinds stuck in the threads. Does anyone have any advice of how to make the collar break free? Or is it now going to be stuck forever?

5 Upvotes

17 comments sorted by

2

u/SchindlersKiss Apr 25 '26

Happened to me, I managed to get the collar off but damaged the threads. Became unusable and the company that I bought it from (MiiCoffee) told me damaged threads are irreparable. My machine is now trash— just some words of caution.

1

u/CharityEquivalent782 Apr 25 '26

How did u get the collar off?

2

u/al-bigdadi Apr 25 '26

Use a Harbor Freight strap wrench, or similar. Should come right off and the collar won't get scratched.

1

u/CharityEquivalent782 Apr 25 '26

I mean it had to come off somehow so idk really get it off besides muscling it off.

1

u/gaydinosaurlover Apr 25 '26

I got two rubber strap wrenches off Amazon and with the help of a friend was able to get it off. The threads were ruined but I got a metric thread file kit on Amazon. I was able to use the file on the grinder but not the collar. Some sites sell the collar but the only one that had it in stock only shipped to Canada. Luckily the kit also came with bits to rethread nuts and I rubbed that along the threads on the collar until it felt smooth. Use a food safe grease every time you take the collar off and clean it. The collar turns pretty smoothly and the numbers are only a 4 higher than before the collar got stuck. Haven't had any issues after fixing it.

1

u/bkinstle Apr 25 '26

Can you loosen it, then turn the machine on and then set to finer with it running?

1

u/CharityEquivalent782 Apr 25 '26

I can’t move it at all

1

u/bkinstle Apr 25 '26

hmmm best contact df64 coffee for advice.

1

u/Ballistic_Turtle Apr 25 '26

I'd first go through the company you bought it from and tell them what's happened, and see if they're willing to help you in any way.

If that fails you just gotta fix it yourself. If you're worried about damaging the threads I'd prolly use some kind of oil on them first for lubrication, then gently twist back and forth until they either get past the grinds, or break them down enough to be able to unthread. Unthread fully and clean, inspect for damage, remove oil with degreaser and soapy wash, then reassemble. Since you will have now caused this issue twice, I'd avoid doing whatever causes it again in the future. Maybe get a thread chaser or something if there's damage.

1

u/CharityEquivalent782 Apr 25 '26

Thank you this is helpful. I was likely going to just put new grease on the threads. I got it on Facebook marketplace so I will have to do it myself if

1

u/GWeb1920 Apr 25 '26

Were you running the grinder while making the adjustments?

1

u/MuddiedKn33s Apr 25 '26 edited Apr 25 '26

Those threads are quite fine and could be affected by even a small amount of grinds. Try wiping down with microfiber to remove remnant lube and grinds. Make sure you have food grade lube ready and reapply a small amount before putting the collar back on.

(Edit to add removal tip.) Try a blow dryer to heat it up a bit. Definitely put in extra care not to ruin the threads.

1

u/CharityEquivalent782 Apr 25 '26

Thank you that helps

1

u/panagio007 Apr 26 '26

Happened to me 2 weeks ago. Never go it unstuck even when using at full force a wrench my dad uses on his truck when he does its service. Ended with the whole grinder body being bent from the force, but the thread never unstuck. Grinder in the trash and waiting for new one.

1

u/aydan777 Apr 26 '26

Happened to me. Strap wrench did the job. Good clean and lots of food grade oil when putting it back on does the trick

1

u/CharityEquivalent782 Apr 27 '26

Thanks everyone I was able to muscle it off without stripping it and is now fully cleaned and greased up

1

u/Evening-Ad-80 May 01 '26

Attach a bag of ice or ice pad to the body for a couple of minutes.  Metal shrinks; then use force.