Stuck Bolt on traveler

[glassdad]

I have a 1985 Catalina 30 with the original traveler. One of the sheaves on the traveler car is cracking so I want to replace it and the other blocks. My problem is that all of the bolts are frozen. I cannot break them loose. I tried various penetrating oils and none seem to work. I even tried an impact driver, where you hit it with a hammer to get some twist. All that did was twist the driver head. It had no effect on the bolts.

How do I fix this? If necessary, I will replace the traveler bar but I can't get to the screws that hold it down because they are under one of the fixed blocks that I can not remove.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks

[Loki9]

Frozen fasteners can be a real headache.

If you are willing to sacrifice the traveler, then you can use a cut-off wheel or a hacksaw to attack the frozen fasteners, it will make a real mess of things, but if you plan to replace it all, who cares?

Otherwise, go back to soaking with penetrating oil and waiting. Then try the impact driver again. There is a technique to using those tools successfully. You need twist them slightly as you hold them to pre-load the driver before striking it. If it is deforming the driver bit, then use a larger bit. Using the largest bit already? Then perhaps you aren't using enough colorful language, let those bolts know who they are dealing with.

Good Luck!

[Faster]

You might be best off to drill out the bolt heads, and use a drift punch to drive the old bolt down and out... means you'll need new fasteners but that's likely to be the case anyhow.

[jrd22]

Have you tried PBlaster? It works where most other penetrants don't. I got it at Home Depot.
If the screws for the blocks don't go all the way through the track like Faster was saying, drilling them out is probably the way to go (the machine screws are threaded into the aluminum of the track). My old track (Schaefer) was like that and I tried everything to get them out, but finally just carefully drilled them and I was able to save the original threads (if you can't save them just go to the next size up and re-tap). If you are going to replace the track, actually go and look at a new one to make sure the holes are the same spacing and location as the original unless you want to drill and pot new holes (my wasn't- same spacing but they started at the ends differently).

[glassdad]

What about heat or cold? I have heard about using a torch but I am worried about damage (and fire).

I will try the PB Blaster first.

Thanks

[SlowButSteady]

Cycles of heat and penetrating oil often works on some pretty stubborn parts. You can use a small torch, or a big soldering iron, to heat the fastener, then immediately squirt a bit of oil on it, let it cool a few moments and start the cycle again. Repeat the cycle several times, ending with a liberal dose of oil, and let it set overnight. In the morning (if you have plenty of Karma stored up, and the stars are in the proper alignment) a few taps with the impact driver might get some results.

[knuterikt]

Originally Posted by glassdad

What about heat or cold? I have heard about using a torch but I am worried about damage (and fire).

I will try the PB Blaster first.

Thanks

I have used boiling water - lots of it to get SS bolts out of my old aluminium traveler

[HDChopper]

Ya drill em out and use Antiseize when going back togather...

[Sublime]

Originally Posted by glassdad

What about heat or cold? I have heard about using a torch but I am worried about damage (and fire).

I will try the PB Blaster first.

Thanks

PB nutblaster is the shiznit. If it doesn't work right off the bat, let it soak overnight.

[LarryandSusanMacDonald]

Wow! I learned a new word:
Shiznit: Expresses extensive emotional satisfaction or glorification of any given noun. Often used by those who lack the vocabulary to express the true essence of the situation.
Other meanings: Sh#t, fecies, poo, doodoo, dung, crap and excrement.

Shiznit can also be used interjectionally.

Generally "shiznit" can be seen as a last resort when all other means of expression fail.
Shiznit! That whip is the absolute and utter shiznit!

I have been saying it for years every time I sneeze and had no idea. 8-}