The screws on mine were very tight. But still moveable. Have you tried soaking it in WD40. I hear some folk swear by that stuff. Mine did not need to be soaked but I did soak it afer I got it apart. I got most of the yuck off that way. Then used Denatured alcohol which got a little more yuck off then I started polishing. The metal is still not as bright as I wish it to be so tomorrow I give it a once over with Fuller Brush Jewerly cleaner..