Stanchion Bolt Removal

justsomeguy · Feb 27, 2016

I like to use a cordless drill motor with adjustable torque settings, starting on the low end of torque, with someone or something below to hold the nuts. Use a brand-new cross-recess bit.

It acts as a sort of hammer drill, and you can gently ramp up the applied force until you either cam out, unscrew or break the fastener.

woodster · Feb 27, 2016

you need a buddy to back up the screw head while you turn the nut from below

whatfiero · Feb 27, 2016

Just some guy. That's a great idea. But if he has cordless drill and impact kit. The impact gun with #3 Philips tip and vice grips on nut will usually break loose or sometimes break bolt which might be what happened to non matching bolt and if that doesn't work next you half to drill or cut bolt head off drive thru hole and replace. You can usually buy new bolts from hard ware stores just take a maganet with you so you don't buy the bolt with too much iron in it.

Ken Cross · Feb 27, 2016

It's easy. Impact screwdriver. You hit it with a hammer and it forces the bit in tight, vibrates the threads and twists at the same time with way more force than your hands. I'll post a link, but I really don't care what brand you buy.
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...00P?sid=IDxCMDFx20140801x001&KPID=00947641000
Ours look just like yours and it made it easy for ours.
if your boat is like ours the stainless screws are threaded into an aluminum piece buried in the glass. Be sure to chase the threads with a tap afterword and then put anitsieze on the threads before you run them back down.
Ken

kloudie1 · Feb 27, 2016

Stainless bolt/screw in aluminum.. Impact driver is the way to get them out, like Ken said.. another option:
http://www.harborfreight.com/impact-screwdriver-set-with-case-37530.html

woodster · Feb 28, 2016

JamesG161 said:
I have no friends!

way too many plums

woodster · Feb 28, 2016

JamesG161 said:
PS: @woodster you pass right by that store on the way to Ken's Hardware! BTW should be renamed to Dusty Marine Store, albeit a bit dusty, they even sell used equipment.

hate to burst your bubble JG...they have dusted it down and painted the floors ...i felt lost thought they may have sold it but not it does look a lot better now than before

kloudie1 · Feb 28, 2016

James.. the thing has a half inch drive square that ya can use with sockets, and it has an adapter to drive the 8mm hex tips. The 8mm tips are bigger than normal "screwdriver hexes (about 6mm), but it comes with a #2 and a #3 Phillips .. Seems like the #2 is about right for most boat sized Phillips stuff

BayMan · Aug 14, 2016

I have used the impact screwdriver on brake callipers. Works great. But I am afraid that hitting it hard, as you must, will cause other damage to the boat. No?

Parsons · Aug 15, 2016

James, if you have access to the nut inside the boat, why are you trying to turn the screw at all? Could you not break the threads loose at the nut alone, just having your helper hold the screw from turning on-deck (as Woodster suggested)? After the nut is removed, you can worry about how to get the screw out of the deck. As far a re-bedding, I suggest referring to MaineSail's excellent posts about re-bedding deck hardware using Butyl Tape - http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects

Since your the inboard stanchions probably go through core, you may have water intrusion issues, so may want to do some drying and re-potting prior to re-installation. Sorry to insult, if you already have that in mind.

Justin_NSA · Aug 15, 2016

I've been trying to break my 4 headsail track end cap screws with an impact screwdriver. So far no luck. Enough of the caps are broken away so that I can drip 'rust buster' into the threads. I'm hoping over time this combination will work. I don't want to hit the impact driver too hard and cause damage below. I will properly bed these if I ever get them off.
That stanchion presents a worse problem since you can't get to the threads. Let us know if you succeed

Justin_NSA · Aug 15, 2016

JamesG161 said:
An all purpose penetrating oil works on all oxidized threads. It might take 24 hours to do the job.
http://www.lowes.com/pd/3-IN-ONE-4-oz-Penetrant-Drip-Oil/50370416
What is the material of the bolts? Stainless?
Jim...

They are stainless. Not sure what the threaded end is though. I've been using PB Blaster. I have some Kroil I may try next. You have a tougher situation.