I'd like to embed some ss nuts in the tramp groove of my F16 Stealth. I need to locate them with screws that will be removed after the epoxy has set. What can I spray/coat the screws with to assure that they'll come out easily? Thanks!

Dave

Mould release is made for the job

When heli-coiling new beam bold mounts I have used synthetic grease to ensure the loacting/driving bolts do not stick to the arldite I use to ensure the heli's stay put. Wht do you want to put nuts inside the track? I'd suggest a better bet would be a larger bolt rope on the tramp!

A coat of mold release wax for starters.
Then if they do stick use a torch to heat a screw driver and then use that screwdriver to heat the screw. That will release it and then you can use a good screwdriver to remove the screw. When you are done throw away the driver you use for the heating, as it will most likely have lost it's temper.

The why explained.

You're good Pepin! Yeah, I'm convinced that the groove is seriously compromised. The hulls are flexing in the vicinity of the groove, and I think it will only get worse with time. I want to fill in the groove and glass over it for strength reasons.
Sources for mold release in the US? Thank you gentlemen!

Dave

just spray with silicon spray then let dry for a bit. did it recently for about a 60mm long M8 or M10 thread and it worked. was a lot of friction to pull it out and a bit of heat built up in the thread (hand screw driver used to remove), but it came out. this method is suggested by bladerider in one of their maintenance manuals for creating a carbon thread in the foils.

Excellent, thanks Gero. I have that stuff on hand, and hope to start the repair this weekend.

Dave

probably best to test it first.

I've used simple light machine oil, WD-40 or mold release for smaller machine screws in epoxy. I suspect PAM cooking spray would also work. Epoxy does not tend to adhere well to smooth metal finishes like stainless unless they are roughened up and throughly de-greased.

Mike.

Turtle Wax or paste car wax also works

Car wax works great but be careful of the ones with silicon in as the excellent paint job are going to do will look pretty tardy in about 12 months, when it start to flake

Yep! Got to sand, prep with silicon / wax remover, and be clean before paint. That should be a step always!

Easy with the wax usually the first few threads then spread it out. I like this method better then say WD40 wax "stays together" where oils penetrate and may be harder to clean up for paint prep.

Good Luck!

I just pulled the track off, after using it to locate the screws. I sprayed them with silicone, worked ok, one snapped off, out of maybe 18. Still 1/2" sticking up, I'll try to heat it carefully and see if it'll break free. I just used zinc plated steel screw for locating the nuts, s.s. screws are definitely stronger. Overall, looks like this will work well. I'll post pics in a while.

Dave