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Sheared screws in mast step |
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Wobble
Groupie Joined: 26 Jul 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 44 |
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Topic: Sheared screws in mast step Posted: 15 Jul 19 at 11:40am |
The mast step in my Flying Fifteen has worked loose. When I tried to remove it, two of the forward fixing screws sheared off rather than screwed out, creating even more movement, as it is now held in by just two screws aft. Would anyone have any tips for removing the screw stubs left within the deck, doing the least damage possible? I'm thinking drill out and fill with epoxy, but wondering if there are better methods. Thanks in advance!
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Sam.Spoons
Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3398 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 15 Jul 19 at 12:02pm |
The broken screws will be brass, bronze or stainless steel and much harder than the wood or GRP they are fixed into. This will make them incredibly difficult to drill out as the drill will constantly try to wander into the surrounding material. Try heating the screws with a large soldering iron before gripping the end with a mole grip (same for the remaining two, heat before trying to remove). It'll leave a divot around the top of the screw hole but might leave the most of the depth still functional.
Edited by Sam.Spoons - 15 Jul 19 at 12:03pm |
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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish" |
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Wobble
Groupie Joined: 26 Jul 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 44 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 15 Jul 19 at 12:58pm |
Thanks for your very quick response Sam. The problem is that the screws (they look like low-grade stainless, and much lighter than I would have expected) are broken beneath the surface, so I have no way to grip them externally. The other two have already been removed and replaced with new stainless screws, up one size. |
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Sam.Spoons
Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3398 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 15 Jul 19 at 1:11pm |
Tis a tricky one, and it's a while since I had to do it. Can you get a drummer* and put a slot in the top then apply heat? What's probably happened is that the screws were coated in varnish or something when they were fitted and heat will soften that, also expansion may break the grip the wood has on them. Failing all else drilling them will probably result in a much larger hole which you could fill with epoxy and microfibres as you originally suggested. Good luck.
Edit :- * Yup, Dremmel obviously though I know a drummer who might do it...........
Edited by Sam.Spoons - 15 Jul 19 at 5:13pm |
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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish" |
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Wobble
Groupie Joined: 26 Jul 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 44 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 15 Jul 19 at 2:45pm |
What's a drummer? Apart from that, looks like a drill and fill!
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Noah
Really should get out more Joined: 29 Dec 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 611 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 15 Jul 19 at 3:34pm |
I think drummer may be an auto-correct from Dremel...
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Nick
D-Zero 316 |
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didlydon
Far too distracted from work Joined: 15 Oct 08 Location: Margate England Online Status: Offline Posts: 280 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 16 Jul 19 at 10:15am |
If you can get in there to use a Dremel, use a small diamond burr to "spot" it then gradually enlarge the burr keeping it on course till its gone. Patience & perseverance needed here!
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Vareo 365
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Wobble
Groupie Joined: 26 Jul 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 44 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 16 Jul 19 at 11:33am |
Thanks Sam and didlydon both. All a bit scary. I'm thinking of taking a swerve and drilling two new holes in the mast step. It'll be a bit weaker, but the attachment to the boat a bit stronger, I reckon.
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jharvey
Newbie Joined: 11 Sep 12 Location: Bristol Online Status: Offline Posts: 20 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 16 Jul 19 at 5:27pm |
Is there any room to move the mast step forwards or backwards an inch and have 4 new holes?
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Wobble
Groupie Joined: 26 Jul 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 44 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 16 Jul 19 at 6:11pm |
Good idea, thanks! I'll check to see if there's room for manoeuvre.
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