Help - Can't Get That Last Screw out of Lewmar 55

[PamlicoTraveler]

I am trying to service my big winches. I guess it's been too long and I can't get that last Allen Wrench screw out. I've PB lasted it, heated it with a heat gun, and it just won't budge.

Free beer for anybody that can give me a tip that will help me that mother off of the base of the winch. The others were difficult but I was able to get them eventually. The last one is not giving up and I am trying not to either.

[captain465]

Have you tried an impact wrench??

[anjou]

Theres always a way, usually unconventional like drilling it out, yes, even if its SS

[James S]

Try cooling it with some Nitrogen?

[capngeo]

+1 on the impact!

[capttman]

3RD the impact wrench

[MarkJ]

You don't need to take the base off to service the winch.

Do I get the prize?

[PamlicoTraveler]

I don't have an impact wrench...Maybe that's what I need? WIll it work if the screw is stripped?

As far as nitrogen...Don't know about that either.

I have broken two drill bits trying to drill. I'm sure its the toughest SS made

[PamlicoTraveler]

Mark...

Aren't the prawns etc under the base? If you are right that would be good news, but the prawns and springs aren't visible without taking the base off, right? And the ratchet gear won't come off until the base is off...right?

FYI these are Lewmarr 55 ST "wavegrip"...( pre 1991)

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by PamlicoTraveler

Mark...

Aren't the prawns etc under the base? If you are right that would be good news, but the prawns and springs aren't visible without taking the base off, right? And the ratchet gear won't come off until the base is off...right?

FYI these are Lewmarr 55 ST "wavegrip"...( pre 1991)

I can't see from your photo.
Have a look at this
its a bit hard to read. But you're saying the bottom set of gears are under that plate? If so then you do need to get it up to service the pawls. (and prawns and whatever else you put in a Marinara).

I have never had one where thats gotta be done.

have fun with it. Remember if you skin your knuckles we will probably all laught at you! And your pain!


Mark

[PamlicoTraveler]

Mark...Here is the page from the manual that indicates the base needs to be removed. That's where the gears are. I wish I didn't have to remove the base because now I am stuck. I guess next I'm gonna go look for an impact wrench and try that though.

[PamlicoTraveler]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

have fun with it. Remember if you skin your knuckles we will probably all laught at you! And your pain!
Mark

I hope that's the least of my worries....

[MarkJ]

Have you hit it with a hammer?

i'm not being stupid. But a sharp twack can sometimes work.

Then off the borrow some of that bigger kit.

Good luck!

[captain465]

If you have tried to drill the bolt out and have destroyed the "hex" flats, you will have no choice but to drill the head out with a "cobalt" drill bit the same diameter as the head bolt. VERY carefully!!!!

[PamlicoTraveler]

Thanks guys....Just went and bought a cobalt drill but and am going to make it happen somehow...Will report back.