Whilst trying to remove my trampoline found that the beam bolts were siezed to the tube spacers. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> I can turn the bolts but can't remove them. The tubes were a snug fit to the bolts when I installed them last time so I guess it's another good lesson; a loose fit is best.

Does anyone know what I can soak the joints in to free them up ?

Regards,

Peter

WD40, CRC, RP7 or kerosene. Loosen the nut and turn the bolt slowly as you apply. Work a flat blade screwdriver under the head and lever it up as you turn the bolt. If that doesn't work use the nut to protect the threads on the bolt and tap it out carefully from inside the hull. If that doesn't work cut the head off the bolt and punch it through or cut a slot in the spacer using a cold chisel.
Use Duralac for reassembly.

Darryn
1782

Peter,

I would be undoing the bolts and removing the beams and bolts as a unit, then deal with the problem on a good working surface.

Basically time to sacrifice the bolts and the spacers....plenty of WD40 or similar and then punch them out of the beam.....going to destroy the threads but time to replace them and yes a looser fit works, duralec helps stop the corrosion (dissimilar metal issue) but washing withlots of freshwater helps too....

New bolts and new spacers mate.

DD
"Banh Sidhe"

Thanks guys,

I hadn't thought about using a chisel but it may be the only option left if the kero etc. doesn't work.

With the beam off and placed on a suitable solid surface I tried to belt the bolt back out and it did move but it also deformed the top surface of the beam around the bolt. Hey presto, one stuffed beam <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> The inner bolts will be even harder to get to with kero etc. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> The rear beam I may be able to save since I used cap screws on the inner fastening points and only bolts through the beam on the outer fastening points.

Regards,

Peter

Hi Peter,

How did you go with your beams? Could you save the rear one?

Trevor

Trevor,

Even though I soaked the beam in kerosene overnight the bolts are still stuck fast to the spacers. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I even tried the cold chisel but all it did was put a small groove in the aluminium. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> I really didn't want to chisel too hard in case I started to elongate the beam holes.

The rear beam is still OK but I don't know for how long. Luckily the inner fasteners are cap screws located on the lower face so it's only the outer bolts I have to work on.

If I apply localized heat to the spacer maybe that would work otherwise I might have to get the hacksaw blade out and cut through the bolt at the inside. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Maybe I should invest in a flame torch and give it to myself for fathers day <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Regards,

Peter

Trevor,

Bought myself a chefs gas burner and tried to heat the spacers. It didn't work. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Bought myself a Dremmel multipurpose drill with cutting attachments. It worked a treat. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Cut straight through the spacers inside the beam and allowed me to easily remove the bolts. Took me about half an hour to do both bolts.

Now to put the beast back together for the new season. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Regards,


Peter