Hi All,I have finally got around to addressing my loose tiller and had concluded that the pin needed to be replaced because I'm sure its original to the boat (Vega # 2548). I took the tiller off and and gently tapped the pin going starboard to port. After the second tap or so a 1/2" piece of the pin popped out of the starboard side. Having never dealt with this issue on any boat I have owned I am suspecting that the pin is broken hence the wobble to the tiller. Am i correct in thinking this? I will be back at the boat this weekend with proper tools to knock the rest out if that is how I am to proceed. Am I proceeding the right way? Is the pin tapered so it is one directional? Will I have to drill it out (or the burred end at least)? Is there a vega replacement part for this or is this a machine shop project? Thanks group!!BradBiddeford Maine U.S.A.Vega 2548
Tiller head pin
- Thread starter brad_45
- Start date
The pin is tapered.There is a tool called a pin punch you can use to drive the pin out. Alternatively, you can use a metal dowel or rod, bolt etc that is a bit smaller than the pin as a drift.I wouldn't try drilling it out as the pin is stainless and harder than the surrounding bronze, most likely the bit will wander off and mess up the bronze.Try soaking the piece with penetrating oil and/or heating it if removal is difficult.I think I found a replacement pin at McMaster Carr in years past and sent one to a guy in Ireland. I don't remember the part number. Tim
Yes, McMaster Carr in Los Angeles. The part number is #90681A293. It will need to be shortened as it is 4 inches long. Simple enough to do. Just drive it in until it is snug. Score it with a hacksaw. Remove it and finish cutting it. Re-install. Not a bad
plan to get a spare while you are at it. Price $7.87. Their phone number is 562 692 5911. WaltFrom: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Tim tim_klynn@... [AlbinVega] AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2016 3:03 PM
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlbinVega] Tiller head pin
The pin is tapered.
There is a tool called a pin punch you can use to drive the pin out.
Alternatively, you can use a metal dowel or rod, bolt etc that is a bit smaller than the pin as a drift.
I wouldn't try drilling it out as the pin is stainless and harder than the surrounding bronze, most likely the bit will wander off and mess up the bronze.
Try soaking the piece with penetrating oil and/or heating it if removal is difficult.
I think I found a replacement pin at McMaster Carr in years past and sent one to a guy in Ireland.
I don't remember the part number. Tim
plan to get a spare while you are at it. Price $7.87. Their phone number is 562 692 5911. WaltFrom: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Tim tim_klynn@... [AlbinVega] AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2016 3:03 PM
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlbinVega] Tiller head pin
The pin is tapered.
There is a tool called a pin punch you can use to drive the pin out.
Alternatively, you can use a metal dowel or rod, bolt etc that is a bit smaller than the pin as a drift.
I wouldn't try drilling it out as the pin is stainless and harder than the surrounding bronze, most likely the bit will wander off and mess up the bronze.
Try soaking the piece with penetrating oil and/or heating it if removal is difficult.
I think I found a replacement pin at McMaster Carr in years past and sent one to a guy in Ireland.
I don't remember the part number. Tim
Tim.I was the guy in Ireland!Thanks again.John
Sent from
TypeApp
From: "Tim tim_klynn@... [AlbinVega]"
Sent: Fri Oct 14 16:03:19 IST 2016
To: "AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com"
Subject: Re: [AlbinVega] Tiller head pin
The pin is tapered.
There is a tool called a pin punch you can use to drive the pin out.
Alternatively, you can use a metal dowel or rod, bolt etc that is a bit smaller than the pin as a drift.
I wouldn't try drilling it out as the pin is stainless and harder than the surrounding bronze, most likely the bit will wander off and mess up the bronze.
Try soaking the piece with penetrating oil and/or heating it if removal is difficult.
I think I found a replacement pin at McMaster Carr in years past and sent one to a guy in Ireland.
I don't remember the part number. Tim
On Oct 14, 2016, at 6:15 AM, brad_45@... [AlbinVega]
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com wrote:
Sent from
TypeApp
From: "Tim tim_klynn@... [AlbinVega]"
Sent: Fri Oct 14 16:03:19 IST 2016
To: "AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com"
Subject: Re: [AlbinVega] Tiller head pin
The pin is tapered.
There is a tool called a pin punch you can use to drive the pin out.
Alternatively, you can use a metal dowel or rod, bolt etc that is a bit smaller than the pin as a drift.
I wouldn't try drilling it out as the pin is stainless and harder than the surrounding bronze, most likely the bit will wander off and mess up the bronze.
Try soaking the piece with penetrating oil and/or heating it if removal is difficult.
I think I found a replacement pin at McMaster Carr in years past and sent one to a guy in Ireland.
I don't remember the part number. Tim
On Oct 14, 2016, at 6:15 AM, brad_45@... [AlbinVega]
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com wrote:
Hi - I have a lot of experience with this pin. I have had my boat since 1983 and for many years did not realise there was a pin there.When I moved to a drying mooring where the boat was high and dry for half the day, every time the boat grounded the rudder would be forced over to one side or the other and the helm was loose. I replaced the pin and it lasted about three weeks. For a long while I just tightened everything up and ignored the pin. Three or four years ago I replaced the fitting on the top of the rudder stock and the pin. At the same time I started to take the tiller off every time I left the boat.I have had no problems since.The pin is tapered and can only be forced out the way it comes in, the part you have got out should show you which way the taper runs. Because of the limited space between rudder head and cockpit sides it is difficult to drive the pin out with a drift. I did construct a device similar to a gear puller so I was able to drive the pin out with a centre screw of smaller diameter than the pin. This combined with a bit of heat applied to the area eventually did the job. The first time I replaced one I drilled through the centre of the pin with a drill smaller than the pin but it is difficult to keep the drill from damaging the side hole in the rudder clamping fitting.It is possible to tighten everything up and sail without a pin as I did for a long while but in heavy weather with a lot of strain on the tiller it could slip just when you don't want it to.Hope this helpsMike Freeman
You can also find it at AMAZON under the bellow link... 18-8 Stainless Steel Taper Pin, Plain Finish, Meets ASME B18.8.2, Standard Tolerance, #4 Pin Size, 0.25" Large End Diameter, 0.198" Small End Diameter, 2-1/2" Length (Pack of 5): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific ???: "Nico Walsh nwalsh@... [AlbinVega]" AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com ????: Albin Vega Groups AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com ????????: 9:55 ?.?. ???????, 16 ????????? 2016 ????: Re: [AlbinVega] Re: Tiller head pin Here, from 2008:
Nico WalshNicholas H. Walsh P.A.Admiralty and Maritime Law; Probate Litigation; Commercial LawPhone: (207) 772-2191Fax: (207 774-3940P.O. Box 7206120 Exchange St.Portland ME 04112This message is from a law firm, and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you suspect you are not the intended recipient, please delete the email and call us.
Nico WalshNicholas H. Walsh P.A.Admiralty and Maritime Law; Probate Litigation; Commercial LawPhone: (207) 772-2191Fax: (207 774-3940P.O. Box 7206120 Exchange St.Portland ME 04112This message is from a law firm, and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you suspect you are not the intended recipient, please delete the email and call us.