Asbestos & a frozen knob

OK, in my battle against bad winter depression I'm going to start another radio, an RCA 66X3 I picked up. I hear they are good performers.

Under the chassis is an asbestos pad that I wanna get rid of or seal-either way, as simple as possible. What's the best way to go about this and not have jackboots and black helicopters outside?

Other thing is, one knob is frozen on the shaft, and I mean frozen! I've never had one I can't get off 'till now. Don't want to break it 'cause I don't want the hassle of finding another. I've tried all the tricks I know but no joy.

Comments and thoughts eternally appreciated!

Thanks,

Rich

As long as you don't disturb the pad you will have no problems. It's when you start messing with it you will release asbestos fibers.
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On the knob issue, if its wood, just try some WD 40 and let it soak on the shaft for 24-48 hours before trying to remove.

Sometimes they have a set screw that may need the same treatment.

I have used a pair of pliers as a fulcrum (with appropriate padding to prevent marring of the knob and surrounding surfaces.)

Another approch would be to use a can of Keyboard duster (upside down) it will spay the propellant which expands so fast that you can use it as freeze mist. Try that to the shaft as it will make the shaft expand or contract and break the frozen knob free.

Some wise old radio guy once gave me a great tip for removing frozen knobs. If you use a BBQ fork, slid all the way down on the knob, it gives you 3/4, or more surface area. Pry the knob off (with some padding, of course)
I used to try needle nose pliers, etc., but this tip has worked very well on stubborn knobs.

On the asbestos: keep it quiet, and simply leave it there. Asbestos was used to prevent heat damage to the top of the radio.

Millions of us lived for many years with asbestos all around and we're still doing fine. Sure, if asbestos has been found to be a health hazard, and if we benefit from having it removed from new products, that's fine; but some small pad located inside an old radio isn't going to kill you or make you sterile. You provide a greater health hazard by messing with it than by leaving it alone.

For the knob, if it is indeed a press-on type and there is no set screw, the best thing is to use a penetrating oil such as JB Blaster, then wait awhile and try prying it off with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. Haven't heard of the BBQ fork, but it just may work. The trick is to break the knob loose on its shaft without damaging the knob itself in the process.

About the knob, could it be one that stays in the cabinet when you remove the chassis? I found out about that the hard way..