Dismantling Profurl Classic furling gear

[philmarks]

Has anyone manged to dismantle one of these? Any tips on extracting the machine screws which hold it all together at the bottom (I've been told they are tungsten, but allen keys seem to damage them fairly easily) . I've got some out with air compressor/socket drive allen keys, but looks like I've got to drill the rest out.

Expect I will have to use heat, drills, break a screw extractor or two, then drill the rest out and use a tap to clean up. B#gg#r!

Think I'd better see the bank manager!

My scarred knuckles demonstrate that I have many years experience of this sort of task, but any ideas about new tools/techniques very welcome. I promise to dismantle it every year thereafter and lubricate the threads, please hear my prayers!

 

[Talbot]

Best method is by using an impact drill. Had the same problem with allen screws on my motorbike. This was the only way short of drilling out.

 

[kandoma]

interesting.... I had to disasemble mine after more then 10 years of use (roller bearing broken). I was very worried at the beginning, but I used the allen key from my US made toolbox. The steel used in US tools is generally much harder then european or asian tools. I was able to remove all the screws without breaking one.

Bosch bits are "made in USA". If it is shiny and nice -- it is soft. If it is rusty and looking ugly -- it is hard.

Peter

 

[rhumlady]

Been there done that and know take the thing down most years. I had to drill out several of the grubscrews then clean out the holes but I managed not to have to retap them to a larger size. When you say 'classic' do you mean the ones with the plates from the drum to the stemhead fitting going onto the outside of the drum or the inside? Mine go on the out side and so it is a realy old unit but I have replaced the seals and bearings in both the top and bottom swivles at around £50.00 from Bearing services. Good as new after that.

 

[Gin]

If the allen screw heads are proud of their seating( raised and not shrouded that is) you may succeed as I did on a different application by using a sharp cold chisel and hammer and tapping vigorously at a shallow angle to the edge of the screw. This makes a chisel cut to the edge and the force of the hammer blows rotates the screw little by little until it can be unscrewed conventionally

 

[philmarks]

Thank you all. Have tried impact driver; have had no problem with allen keys rounding. Have started to drill, drill, drill....