The wood accent piece on the front of your Z1 pulls out so you can reach the zero point screw. Wood expands and contracts with climate and humidity, so the accent can fit tighter during humid stretches or after a move. A stuck accent comes out safely with the steps below.
Avoid pliers or prying tools on the front. They mark the wood and the finish around it.
Step 1: Push it out from behind
- Turn the dial coarser until the front dial assembly comes completely off the grinder.
- Look at the back of the front assembly. There is a small access hole behind the accent piece.
- Insert something thin through the hole and push the accent forward. Anything smaller than 2.5mm works well, including the Allen keys or screwdriver that came with your Z1. A straightened paper clip or thin wire also works, though they can bend before the accent moves.
- Wear rubber gloves on the front for extra grip, and pull while you push.
Step 2: Use temperature to loosen the fit
If the accent still will not move:
- Place the front assembly in a cold room or refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes, away from any condensation. Hardwood contracts slightly when cooled.
- If it is still tight, gently warm the metal around the accent with a hair dryer so the metal expands. Do not heat the wood directly.
- Twist the accent in small back-and-forth motions while pulling outward. Rubber gloves or a silicone pad help you grip the wood.
- If needed, apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol where the wood meets the metal to break up dust or coffee particles that bind the two.
If you find adhesive residue on the wood or metal, which sometimes happens on second-hand grinders, a little acetone removes it without damaging either part. Zerno does not glue the accent piece.
Step 3: Keep it from sticking again
- Give the sides of the wood a very light pass with fine sandpaper, around 800 grit. Sand only the sides that touch the metal.
- Re-oil the sanded areas so the wood keeps a uniform look and is better protected from humidity. We finish our accents with Odie's Solvent-Free Super Penetrating Oil, so it is the closest match to the factory finish. A food-safe butcher block oil also works. Apply a thin coat, wipe off the excess, and let it dry fully before reinstalling.
- Test the fit. The accent should slide in and out with no pressure.
Putting the front back together
- Thread the front dial assembly back onto the grinder.
- Run the grinder briefly. If you hear a light thumping or rattle, check that the screws on the side of the front assembly are snug.
- Reset your zero point. See Setting the Zero Point on Your Z1.
Still stuck?
If these steps do not work, please contact support at info@zerno.co.
Related
Setting the Zero Point on Your Z1 | Troubleshooting: Stuck or Stripped Zero Point Screw on the Z1 | Small Fixes and Common Z1 Questions