Defrost the shop fridge-redneck style

[Haytrucker]

While "inspecting" the shop fridge this evening, after finishing hauling off first cutting, I realized that the freezer door located in the top of the 'ol IH was impaired by enough frost to interfere with the closing of "the vault". With the recent heat wave, and a conservative nature, I didn't want to jeopardize the contents therein; so alas; it was time to defrost the old girl.
I grabbed a medium length prybar, and after a little quality control, I started chipping away. In what can only be described as an extremely inspiritional moment after about ten whacks with the pry bar the light came on, and I realized that not ten feet away was a perfectly good impact chisel. To make long story short, it did!!!
I may have to look into patenting the process, and I'm considering a new career in ice sculpture. One important point, and I didn't learn the hard way, be sure you know the approximate size of your freezer beforehand to avoid any unsightly damage.
I counted the rings on the biggest chunk of frost, and sure enough confirmed I hadn't defrosted since I bought the beast in "88.

 

[Brad S]

I didn't know you could still buy a nonselfdefrosting fridge in 88, but they make the best shop coolers. I use an antique Firestone fridge that was the first one my grandparents ever owned from just after ww2. I don't have anything to freeze so I turn down the fridge so the freezer doesn't freeze. Drugs in the fridge part, drinks in the top part. Becareful with the chisel, if you knock a hole in that aluminum, you discharge the refridgerant.

 

[Haytrucker]

It was used, and already old when I bought it.