bow rail removal - allen key nuts @#$% !!!!

[abl1111]

I removed the bow rail on my boat to re-seat, clean and tighten. Those damn hex-head, allen key screws located on the "T" joints are all stripped and I want to remove them so I can put new ones in to tighten up the rail.

I tried to drill one out and almost went into the rail itself. Any ideas as to how to get these @#$%#@$ things out ! I cannot slide the the "T"'s off, due to these screws scratching the crap out of the rail. I thought that if I could get them off then I could attack the problem from both sides.

As an option has anyone drilled right through the s.s. rail and either used stainless rivets or screws to hold the rail together ?

Thx,

Alan

[catman115]

alan...how about a screw extractor ?? fits in your drill turns in reverse. i have used them for wood screws and stripped lug nuts on the car. they have great holding power.

[TUGBOAT]

they also make an eXtractor that You turn with a wrench get the Square ones not round for this application.tap it in & unscrew There's a reason for it being STUCK spray liquid wrench (Protect Your Deck) Maybe not alligned ? [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] Screws & rivets may work just not as PRETTY ! May loosen up.Mine are all welded.
Scream'n Reels' [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[abl1111]

Capt Brad,

Went and got a 'easy out' to remove those damned allen head screws. The originals are thine walled pcs of SHIT that all fell apart as I tried to remove. A real bitchy job.

Got 'em all out though. One or two will need to be retapped. I tried to buy replacement allen head scres but the ones at WEST MARINE are too long and would stick out ( and you can't grind them )

Any ideas where I can get these w/ a lower profile?

[TUGBOAT]

Send Me the size & length ,& quanity.
"TUG"
tugboat@gzinc.com
I can get 6/32 to 8/32 & 10's up !!
3/8 is the shortest in stock up to 2"
S.S.
I was on the phone w/ them.

[abl1111]

Finished the job ! I went to a real salty boat yard here and bought 20-30 lightly used ( actually really clean ) of the exact dimension screws I needed.

Even better, these particular screws had slots for a flat head screw driver instead of the allen key heads. I seated all in silicone to keep water out. Hopefully, this will last for another 28 years !

Anyone ever see those screws w/ slots instead of allen heads ? If so, let me know where, pls.

Thx for your input guys. One small project done, on to the next, seemingly never-ending project !

[cSickNick]

Just a thought ....

To give the allen screws a better bite into the tubing,

I drilled the tubing a "tad", and used slightly longer allen screws to set into the "T" joints and tubing.

- Nick