Removing portholes?

Bornslippy

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28 Feb 2020
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Hi
Anyone got any top tips for removing old circular bronze portholes? They unscrew from the front (outside). There are two holes so maybe there is some sort of tool that might help? They aren't budging when I apply pressure using one of the holes (large hammer via a thick nail inserted into the hole).

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dankilb

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Stuck down with sealant? Modest heat - enough to soften whatever is sealing them - might be a place to start. But I’ve never had a boat nice enough for proper portholes, so no doubt someone will be along soon who actually knows!
 

neil_s

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You might need to make a tool to undo them. What about a length of 2 x 2 oak with a couple of s/s screws - cut the heads off after being driven in a good length.
 

ganter

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WD40 to loosen the verdigris-caused bond and then Drift them out - you'll have a mess of adhesive (very ancient) beneath but as they're going back on after cleaning you won't have to dress the GRP just a rubbing back to get a nice flat surface for the fresh sealant to adhere to.
 

sarabande

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Neil_s is describing a pin wrench.

There are standard ones on ebay, but not in the diameter or beefiness you need. Easy to make from flat steel bar and a grinder.

pin wrenches | eBay
 
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