Hi All!
I’ve been using a burred key and now can’t get the screw out. is there anychance u might have a method to get the screw and fin out without breaking anything…
Thanks!!
Josh.
superglue the key in. or use a new key. or both.
Thanks! Would this still work now that the screw is burred and gone round?
Thanks again.
Josh.
it should, give it a try. If it doesn’t check the archives, there are other methods, more drastic. This is the easy first shot…
First thing to try is grinding the end off the key, to get to a section of the shaft that has clean, sharp edges at full size. Or, buy a hex/Allen wrench in the appropriate size and use that, after carefully cleaning any crud out the screw socket with a sharp pin or needle, like a sailmaker’s needle or upholstery needle. Pouring in a little hot water can help, dissolving salt deposits and such that can gum up the works some.
If that doesn’t work, and it may not, try a Torx screwdriver bit of the appropriate size- I think it’s a T-10 - pressed firmly into the socket. The six-sides star shape, slightly tapered, can sometimes get a bite where a hex wrench fails.
If that doesn’t work, then it’s time to get mad at it - get an Easy-out kit of the appropriate size and have at it.
And lastly, if That doesn’t work, saw off the fin flush to the bottom, then use a 1" hole saw to get out the offending FCS plug and replace it later.
Whatever works, discard the set screw and wrench afterwards and replace with stainless.
And , once you have it out, a suggestion: replace the set screws and wrenches regularly. You can get them at the local hardware store, cheap. They are industry standard sizes and threads. Grease the screws a little with silicone grease before you install 'em - the silicone grease won’t eat the plastic of the plug. Once or twice a year, take the screws and fins completely out, rinse the salt out of the plugs, regrease the screws and put it all back together. When a key or a screw starts to show burring or rounding out, chuck it. If the wrench won’t go all the way in, clean out the screw socket before ya try again.
I mean, hey, for a few pennies and a little time, you can avoid all this aggravation. The keys and screws FCS includes are, frankly, cheap crap, made of soft metal - the keys in particular, I think, are made of old, used chewing gum painted gray. And the system, while not all that bad overall, can fail for lack of a little maintainance. And I do mean a little.
hope that’s of use - sorry about the rant
doc…
Thanks Heaps!!!
Hey Josh, Super glueing the key in usually works or some times just a good key. PM me your postal address and I’ll send you some spare grub screws and a decent key that won’t burr. I’m in Qld so you should get them in a day or two.
Kind offer DD, Thanks! Ishould be cool now as I “modded” my system using doc’s method and added stainless.
Thanks again!
Josh.
How zit josh, Try a new key, if that won't work use an easy out.Aloha,Kokua
If possible try to get A4-80 quality screws, if not A4-70. The first bit, A4, refers to the corrosion resistance, the second, 80, to the strength. The stronger they are the less likely to burr. Use a good quality hardened steel wrench, but don’t get it wet these rust reel quick. And lastly don’t get ripped off, I’ve seen replacement screw sets for $3.00.