Guess the title says it all. Any ideas? I've tried spraying Kroil and WD-40 both inside and out on the door handle threads. Not getting any better. My only idea is to take the door latch hardware off and unthread the door handle completely. Is this possible? I know it would take one heck of a big pipe wrench to even turn it 1/4 of a turn now.

I have a different stove, but Kroil has always worked on mine. When I burn corn I have to do it a couple times a year. One thing I do with mine is that I spray it while the stove is still warm, when it's cooling down for me to clean it out. It usually takes 5 minutes or so and I work the handle at the same time.

I also have to spray my clean out door latches as well. Same process.

I hope you get it fixed.

Tim
Baby Magnum

When is it hard to turn, when is latched or unlatched?

It's not threaded in too far is it?

It's hard to turn at all - to open or close. It takes two hands and lots of effort to pivot it at all. I'm pretty sure it isn't threaded in too far - I've never had it apart.

Is the handle hard to turn when the door is open? I'm trying to know if it is binding on the shaft or the latch plate. My guess is the latch is galled where it rubs on what it strikes when it is turned.

Ah - understand your question now. Nope - hard to turn all the time - door open or closed. I've got to replace my door glass this off-season, which requires taking the door off (drill out and re-tap the mounting screws) so I'll work on soaking it and getting it freed up then.