Roller furl access...

[Rockter]

I have an American roller furl system, a Shaeffer, a great system, great value, and it is serving me well. It shields the forestay bottle screw though, and I have to inspect it occasionally. I cannot at present, and I would never forgive myself if the rig came down, in the dark, with a young crew aboard.

The stainles screws are absolutely stuck in the lower drum. How the heck do I ever get them out without breaking something expensive?

Do I use an impact driver?

Is there a trick I should know of?

Thanks.

Rockter
Union Polaris 36

[sailingdog]

Spray with PB Blaster or some other penetrating oil. Might also try something like phosphoric acid (Coca-Cola comes to mind) as it may cut some of the corrosion. This part of the process may take several days....so be patient.

Once you've done that, use a screwdriver or in worst case an impact driver, to remove the screws. You'll probably need to re-tap the holes if they're in aluminum, since the corrosion will have damaged the threads more likely than not.

When you re-assemble it... use a Blue Loctite or another anti-corrosion coating like TefGel or Lanocote, to prevent the screws from seizing up in the future.

[Rockter]

Saildog....

Thanks.

It's an old problem. I will get it in the end.