Plug Found... How to Remove?

[tjelle1946]

Hi chris--if it is possible to drill a hole thru the plug, then you could use an easy-out extractor to get a grip on the plug. Do not drill hole until you have the easy-outs because the hole drilled has to match the easy-out. Easy-outs are bolt extrators available at Sears or other hardware stores. The easy out is tapped into the new hole with a hammer untill it sits snug, then use a wrench to turn out-use smooth steady slow pull--works best. Use a solvent such as wd40 or penetrating oil to soften up the threads first. jorgen

 

[chris20636]

I found the keel drain plug on the starboard side of V-2933. I
scraped away the layers of paint and gave it a light sanding to
expose the metal and the seam. I dug the paint out of the slot. I
used a very large screw driver, the same that I used to remove plug
from V-265, and gave it a twist. The plug came right out of V-265,
unfortunately, the metal around the slot, on V-2933, just cracked and
broke apart. I plan to go to the hardware store and see what I might
find to get the drain plug out. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Chris Stevens
V-2933

 

[mocap1]

Try what is called an "easy out" sometimes called a screw extractor. There
are various sizes. They are very coarse left-handed thread, tapered screws.
You drill a hole in the screw or plug to be extracted, screw the extractor
into it and keep turning, using a "T" handle, vise grips, etc. The size you
need shouldn't cost more than $2.00.

Mort

 

[rcheshire811]

Hi Chris,
I recently removed the keel plug from ISIS #2766. I could not budge
the plug with a screwdriver. I then tried an impact driver. I was a
little timid about giving it a good whack and that also failed to move
the screw. I decided the best option was to drill it out and use a
screw extractor. I used a #4 extractor with a 1/4" drill bit. If
you choose this route be careful, I had to drill all the way through
the plug to get the extractor in far enough to get a bite. You could
probably use a smaller extractor. It did not take much effort to back
out the plug with the extractor. I ordered replacement plug from
Steve Birch.
By the way, I looked for the "other screw on the bottom of the
keel" and did not find one on my hull. There is very little paint on
the bottom of the keel, so I doubt I missed it. Our hulls are
similar in age so I wouldn't dig too far trying to find it.
Good Luck,
Rob Cheshire