I have a cake to deliver tomorrow. The biggest I made so I am a little nervous you could say. I put a wooden dowel rod in the center of the cake. I had to make some adjustments and take it out. I could not get it out by twisting or tugging. I finally had to pick the cake up with the dowel to get it to come out. I know this wasn't smart but couldn't figure out what else to do. I put it back in and twisted it to make sure it wasn't in too far and gave it two more taps. I am afraid I am going to have this problem when I deliver the cake. Any ideas on what I may be doing wrong?
I don't use a center dowel at all, as long as the cakes are cold it's not really necessary. I transport three tiered cakes in one piece, and anything larger than that I stack some tiers and assemble the rest on site.
For a dowel that's really stuck in there you can take a pair of pliers, grab the top of the dowel and turn it in a circle until it loosens up, then you can usually pull it out. Just don't wiggle it side to side, turn it instead, and it will loosen up.
Thanks! I have to admit that I almost dropped this cake and one of the tiers sifted maybe 1/2". I will remember not to wiggle it. I am sure I was guilty of that too 
. I hope to one day be confident enough to carry a cake without a dowel in the center. Practice, practice, practice!
I always, always use a center dowel. False security I know....but it was how I was trained and it makes me feel good. I only give a couple light taps and make sure I leave about 3" so I can slowly twist and pull out. I would've freaked out if mine got stuck and had to do what you did. Glad it worked out.
I use needle-nosed pliers to remove dowels from cakes. They work great!
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