Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => General Questions and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: broadway on May 13, 2014, 11:56:09 PM

Title: Broken screw in Helm Seat
Post by: broadway on May 13, 2014, 11:56:09 PM
        I know it's not on the topic of fishing reels, but it may help someone down the road when they work on their reel or with any other project.
I have a broken machine screw in my helm seat pedestal, and need a hand with some advice.  I don't have a photo yet, but I think it can be understood without one. 
The 1/4x20 screw sheared off about 3/4" inside it's threaded hole.  It would be nice to get to the other side but it's a blind hole.  The screws are stainless, I'd like to not have to remove the seat (lots of work), the screw broke almost to a point (can't tap the center to left hand drill) and I can't use heat.  The hole the screw is stuck in is anodized aluminum. I'm gonna see if I can get a dremel in there to cut down the point on the broken screw and maybe reach deep enough to give me a dimple so the left hand bit won't wonder.  I feel like this is out of my scope of work, but if I screw up I figure I can re-tap and size up without anyone but me noticing. ;)  Sure wish someone used some ten-gel before they "screwed" me.
Thanks Crew,
Dom
   
Title: Re: Broken screw in Helm Seat
Post by: Ron Jones on May 14, 2014, 12:02:58 AM
If you can get a dremel in there I'd try to grind the point down as opposed to cut. It seems to me your only option is to get an easy out in there.
Ron
Title: Re: Broken screw in Helm Seat
Post by: Shark Hunter on May 14, 2014, 12:07:43 AM
That's a tough one Dom! >:( Good Luck buddy! ;)
Title: Re: Broken screw in Helm Seat
Post by: Keta on May 14, 2014, 12:41:28 AM
At best my success has been 50/50 but closer to 30/70....on the bad side.  Work slow and good luck.
Title: Re: Broken screw in Helm Seat
Post by: broadway on May 14, 2014, 02:06:36 AM
Ron, we're on the same page...by cut down I meant grind down.
Lee,  I'd take 30% ... I think more like 10% for me :-\
Daron, thanks for the moral support ;)
...anyone else?
Thanks
Dom
Title: Re: Broken screw in Helm Seat
Post by: Cortez_Conversions on May 14, 2014, 02:11:15 AM
Dom,
Shoot some penetrating oil in there tonite and let it soak. The oil and heat from the grinder plus the vibration may help loosen it up.
Good luck!
Tom
Title: Re: Broken screw in Helm Seat
Post by: Keta on May 14, 2014, 02:16:20 AM
If you have some thread try center drilling a bolt, screwing it into the hole and use it as a drill guide.  Carefully grinding the point to a flat will help.
Title: Re: Broken screw in Helm Seat
Post by: Ron Jones on May 14, 2014, 02:18:24 AM
In A&P school my instructor had a set of bushings made up just for that purpose. It would guide the drill and the left handed tap and out the screw came almost every time.
Ron
Title: Re: Broken screw in Helm Seat
Post by: broadway on May 14, 2014, 02:29:38 AM
Now you're talking guys!
I think that's my best bet so far. Gonna give it a go next Monday.
Thanks a bunch Lee and Ron!
Dom
Title: Re: Broken screw in Helm Seat
Post by: Big Tim on May 16, 2014, 01:47:55 AM
Snap On has a set of left handed drills with drill guide bushings and easy outs...There set is for smaller sized bolts and machine screws. Most of the time if the screw isn't bottomed out the left handed drill bit will remove the offending screw. Use lots of penetrating lube. I have removed countless broken studs, bolts and screws with these tools.

here is a set: http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Tools-24376-25pc-Screw-Extractor-Drill-and-Guide-Set-/190983401621?hash=item2c777f7095&item=190983401621&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

Tim