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Thanks, I did do a search and found some stuff about using magnets for mercury ones but managed to miss this thread!

I have done the same as Estelle without any problems - seemed to work ok.

Gave up on using the bunsen to solve this problem when I had some explode in my face. Alternate between very hot water and the freezer section of the fridge. If that doesn't work they become a casualty in the glass bin.

I have a bottle of glycerine that I use specifically for fixing thermometers.
It has a boiling point of 290 so I carefully heat it in a beaker on the hot plate whilst holding the thermometer in the liquid .
Watching carefully as the alcohol rises in the tube, joining together as it does so.
Remove the thermometer from the glycerine if it looks like it is going up too fast or is filing the small space at the top of the thermemeter.
Repeat as necessary.

I usually wait until I have several to do.

Wow,
I have just followed Estelle's instructions and worked really well!!
Thank you all. I love chemtalk
Lada