Gas Shut-off valve stuck advice

[joey066]

I am trying to move a gas dryer a few feet which involves installing a new flex pipe.

But I cannot turn the shut-off valve near appliance at all. The dryer was most recently installed (by Lowe's) just a year ago so surprised it is so stuck and wondering if there is some trick or something I am missing. I tried loosening the bolts at the bottom quite a bit but still no luck. Do I just try and soak this sucker in WD-40?

Hesitant to use too much pressure and snap/break something; especially since I am unsure in which direction the lever should turn (toward wall or away from wall).

Photo attached!

 

[House Doc]

This type of gas shutoff has been around for longer than I have and that is a long time!
This valve is composed of a "cone" that is the part with the handle. It is tightened with a nut on the bottom. You could loosen the nut about a half turn, then give the bolt that the nut is on slight tap upwards, with a brass hammer or small piece of 2X4 (to prevent any chance of sparks). That should free the valve. Retighten the nut, just snug, not tight.
Ideally, I would replace the valve with a more modern stainless steel ball valve. But that would require turning off the gas at the meter.

 

[Jeff Handy]

I think that old style shutoff can turn either way.
When the handle is in line with the pipe, gas is on.
Handle turned 90 degrees, pointing across the pipe, gas is off.

 

[Jeff Handy]

You could squirt a few drops of penetrating oil on the valve grooves, above and below, it might loosen up overnight.