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Bow Roller bolts

  • November 03, 2014 9:26 PM
    Quote
    Message # 3140027
    Deleted user

    Hi folks,

    we're back in the yard in hot and sunny Mexico and trying to finish our Westsail42 for sea trials at last!

    We posted ages ago about replacing the cap rail...in the process of which we had to undo the bow rollers as they are both on the cap rail.

    we got one back on but are struggling to fit the coach bolts on the other as the access up through the anchor locker and into the underside  of the cap rail (ie inside the bulwark) is so hard to reach...Jane is small boned but can't actually get a hand up to the bolt and many attempts with socket extensions have failed, not to mention the washer keeps falling off....

    We've been racking our brains for different strategies to no avail...has anyone else had this problem and managed to solve it?

    Here's hoping,


    Ivan and Jane

    SV Chantey
  • November 05, 2014 10:41 AM
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    Reply # 3143270 on 3140027
    Deleted user

    A few tricks for hard to reach nuts:


    Sometimes you can get some low temperature wax to hold the nuts and washers in place.  Attach the washer and nut using the wax to a long handled wrench then thread the bolt in from the outside.  When you're done the wrench will break free  from the nut by warming the bolt on the outside.

    Other methods include soldering or spot welding a coat hanger or welding rod to a nut/washer and then snapping it off after the bolt is secure.
  • November 05, 2014 8:36 PM
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    Reply # 3143620 on 3140027
    Deleted user

    Thanks for the tips, Edward.

    We've been trying sticking the washers to the 3/8 drive long extension using various types of grease...here in Mexico its so hot (32 degrees C) it keeps melting and slipping off lol! Wax is a good idea, and soldering, we'll try those...


    Any other suggestions gratefully received. Because of the angle of the hull it is really hard to get in position...any other tricks people have used?


    Jane and Ivan
  • November 05, 2014 9:06 PM
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    Reply # 3143627 on 3140027
    Deleted user

    I had to buy special wrench(s) for a few nut sizes due to the location.  A good auto mechanic supply house will stock those unusual tools or again buy the cheapo tools and cut and weld.  In Mex that might be the easiest and cheapest solution
  • November 09, 2014 6:39 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 3146598 on 3140027
    Anonymous member

    I had to do a similar thing, apply a nut and washer under the boomkin, which was inaccessible.  I taped the nut and washer to the wrench with masking tape.  Worked well.