Moving A Seized Pontoon Cleat

[Jokani]

I would like to move a pontoon cleat to a more useful position.

The cleat in question is a Walcon with 2 bolts used to secure it in position within an aluminium rail.

Even with the bolts removed it refuses to move, so far I have tried:

1. Liberally applying PlusGas
2. Gentle persuasion with a 2lb hammer, increasingly less so!
3. Heating with 3 litres of boiling water, repeating 2.

Before I invest in a bigger hammer, is there a trick to getting these to release and move?

 

[pvb]

Ask the marina guys to move it.

 

[greeny]

The last ones I moved (don't know if they were Walcon and I doubt they were) didn't just bolt down but had a lip along one side that hooked under one side of the slot in the pontoon. They were designed to slide once the bolts were slackened but the extra friction and corrosion along this lip caused them to be extremely difficult to move. I finally got them free with a big hammer but some bashes from alternate sides first, helped to free them off before hitting at the ends to slide them along. Or as said by pvb. marina guys will know how to do it.

 

[Jokani]

Thanks guys, will try the marina route first, before borrowing a bigger hammer.

 

[penberth3]

I would like to move a pontoon cleat to a more useful position.

The cleat in question is a Walcon with 2 bolts used to secure it in position within an aluminium rail.

Even with the bolts removed it refuses to move, so far I have tried:

1. Liberally applying PlusGas
2. Gentle persuasion with a 2lb hammer, increasingly less so!
3. Heating with 3 litres of boiling water, repeating 2.

Before I invest in a bigger hammer, is there a trick to getting these to release and move?

Are you sure there isn't another hidden fixing, e.g. a central stud?

 

[KompetentKrew]

3. Heating with 3 litres of boiling water, repeating 2.

I'd give it some more repeats. Has taken several any time I've used this method. Apply plusgas between kettles.