BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - Help!: How to unstick stuck aluminum cover?

On 26 Apr 2004 15:34:54 -0700, (Mister Grumpy) wrote:

Please send me an email or reply here if you have any suggestions to
my latest difficulty, which is described below.

In the cockpit sole on my sailboat is an aluminum cover over the
rudderpost, where the emergency tiller is attached when needed. The
cover is about 4" in diameter and is threaded into an aluminum frame.
It is normally removed with a spanner wrench (which I have, but it
doesn't get very good purchase on the two holes it fits into). As it
hasn't been removed in two years it is frozen and I can't get it to
open. I've tried penetrating oil and heating it with a propane torch.
I've also tried both of the above together in conjunction with a
judicicious application of the hammer. No luck.

I thought of removing the entire assembly (frame and all) but after
removing the screws, I found that the frame was glued to the
fiberglass with a tenacious sealant that won't budge.

Any ideas?

Mister Grumpy

Can't remember the name, but they sell them at Sears. Heavy handle with a heavy
rubberized strap that loops around whatever needs to be turned and then fastens
back in the handle. The band tightens as more pressure is applied.

Help, someone, what's this damn thing called. They do work!

John H

On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD
on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay!