how to remove winch stem attached to mast

jaybeegee · #1 (**permalink**) 03-08-2011

I have one screw giving me a lot of pain to be able to remove the winch stem (?) attached to the mast - I did tried heat (hot water) and lubrication spray - any other things to try?

Faster · #2 (**permalink**) 03-08-2011

An impact driver can work wonders.

File:ImpactDriverWithBits.png - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

SimonV · #3 (**permalink**) 03-08-2011

I had the same problem sometime back. If you have time on you side and you need two to three weeks, you can use tea tree oil which needs to be applied daily the machine screw will come out without damage. If you are in a hurry and the impact driver does not work then the last resort is to drill it out, the first operation is to just drill off the head using a quality drill I would recommend a cobalt drill (new and very sharp) make sure you use a slow speed and plenty of molly grease, if you don’t you will harden the screw and nothing will drill it out. With the head off you should be able to remove the winch base leaving the remains of the stud standing proud using a small pipe wrench (Stilsons) you should get enough purchase to remove the remains, oh and applying heat to the stud will help as the winch base won’t be there to absorb the heat.

knothead · #4 (**permalink**) 03-08-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by SimonV

oh and applying heat to the stud will help as the winch base won’t be there to absorb the heat.

And by heat, he doesn't mean hot water. That won't do anything. You need a propane torch. But be careful.

jaybeegee · #5 (**permalink**) 03-08-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faster

An impact driver can work wonders.

File:ImpactDriverWithBits.png - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yes good idea - never knew these things exist!

jaybeegee · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2011

many thanks for taking the time.

hellosailor · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2011

"- any other things to try?"
Yeah. Hot water isn't heat. Heat means a torch, 500-1000F not 180F. And lubricants like WD-40 are not the same as penetrating oil (PBlaster) which chemically attack the corrosion.
So...I'd spend$4 on a can pf PBlaster from the local auto parts store. Try that, and then go to Sears and pick up an impact driver for about $25. That's going to motivate it for sure.
And you'll need a mallet or maul or dead hammer to whack the impact driver, of course. And goggles, because when you whack that stuff, sometimes it comes back at you.

jaybeegee · #8 (**permalink**) 03-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellosailor

"- any other things to try?"
Yeah. Hot water isn't heat. Heat means a torch, 500-1000F not 180F. And lubricants like WD-40 are not the same as penetrating oil (PBlaster) which chemically attack the corrosion.
So...I'd spend$4 on a can pf PBlaster from the local auto parts store. Try that, and then go to Sears and pick up an impact driver for about $25. That's going to motivate it for sure.
And you'll need a mallet or maul or dead hammer to whack the impact driver, of course. And goggles, because when you whack that stuff, sometimes it comes back at you.

Impact Screw Driver did the job! many thanks.