thanks for the replys. I let them soak overnight in penetrating grease. then set them in the sun for awhile today to heat up. Followed that up with a light mixture of borax and water for about 2-3 minutes just on the metal part of the slide with q tips. Rinsed with water, then wd40. Then again with the penetrating grease for about 2 hours. i got one to break free. It was almost like glued in there. Im not sure about tapping on them with a piece of wood, paranoid about damaging something. I cleaned them up again, and sprayed the one down with penetrating grease. im gonna let that soak overnight again see if i can get the other one to free up. once thats done ill be taking them all the way down and cleaning best i can. Is scotch brite pads and wd40 alright to use on the aluminium? Anything i should be careful of? What about cleaning the brass?