corroded bolts on cleat

[Kevin]

hello all,Hope everyone's season is going well. On my oday tempest I'm in the process of replacing the jib sheet blocks and the stern cleats, which are located aft of the blocks. my problem is that the heads of the bolts are corroded to the cleats. I could not get them to budge, I even tapped the screw driver gently to see if they would budge.I thought about cutting the nuts off, at the backing block and then tap the bolts up and through the fiberglass. I also thought about spraying them wd 40 or soaking them w/ marvel mystery oil to see if the heads will loosen up.Anyone have any thoughts?Thanks!!Kevin

 

[Bob Todd]

Good rule of thumb...

There are two main components in life...duct tape and WD-40.If it doesn't move and it should, use the WD-40If it moves and it shouldn't, use the duct tape;-)Cheers,Bob

 

[Justin - O'day Owners Web]

I would try to free them first

I would get some liquid wrench or equivilant. Spray onto the bolt / cleat junction liberally. Put a good screwdriver in the screw head, and whack it pretty well with a hammer. Wait a few minutes and repeat. And again. Now try to turn the screw. Still didn't work - if you have a heat gun, hit the cleat with it. Then respray and re-whack.I would only cut the nuts off if the above failed. If you don't have heat gun I'd at least try the liquid wrench routine.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Kevin]

thanks

thanks for the ideas guys. 10 more minutes and I'm out of work and off to the yard to get her ready for the big splash!!

 

[Bob]

If WD 40 Fails

Hi,Sounds like you may have a stainless steel bolts and an aluminum cleats. If there is a lot of white corrosion - WD- 40 or other will not do the trick - even with heat.If that's the case then -Remove the nuts below deck if possible otherwise you could use a Dremmel tool with cut off wheel and cut as close to the deck as possible.On the new installation wipe all the surfaces with NEVER SEIZE just incase you need to take it apart in the future.Good Luck

 

[Kevin]

great idea

There is actualy white corrosion around the heads of the bolts. I will try loosening them w/ wd40 etc. If I can't get them to budge I will hacksaw them off from beneath the deck. luckily I have access to the cleats from the motor well. The backing plate is very weathered and been broken down to an almost pulp. I will be able to break that away and hacksaw the bolts. There's enough room to work, however, it's still a cramped area.thanks again!!