Unsticking glass to glass joints and stopcocks

If a freezer is available, place the part inside for a brief period of time. Then use gloves and gently twist apart.

 

If a freezer is not convenient, use a hair dryer or a similar type heat gun to gently heat the area. Again, wear gloves and gently twist apart.

If you are fortunate enough to have a glassblower on site, let them dislodge the joint or stopcock.

Best recommendation for prevention: use stopcock grease or use PTFE sleeves for joints. You might also consider using PTFE stoppers or PTFE hollow stoppers instead of glass stoppers.

To unstick PTFE stopcocks

Simply put the part in a freezer overnight and gently twist apart.