Removing clutches from coach roof.

[penfold]

Impact driver The type you hit on the end with a hammer, not a rotary drill type.

Both are impact drivers and both do the same thing; subject the fastener to rotational impulse which has a better chance of moving it than just applying force with a screwdriver. All things being equal I prefer the cordless electric version as once too often I missed the bloody thing with the hammer and walloped my hand instead.

 

[Rum Run]

Both are impact drivers and both do the same thing; subject the fastener to rotational impulse which has a better chance of moving it than just applying force with a screwdriver. All things being equal I prefer the cordless electric version as once too often I missed the bloody thing with the hammer and walloped my hand instead.

The benefit of the hammer driven one is that the thump breaks up the corrosion bonds so allowing the turning to work, rather than twisting the head off the screw, leaving the shank stuck. Trust me on this, I own an old Land Rover !

 

[penfold]

That's how Impact Drivers work, whether there's a battery attached and an electric motor moving the hammer or your arm.

 

[William_H]

I would suggest that heat on the screw head might be coerced into traveling down the screw to the corrosion in the ali plate. A big soldering iron might transfer enough heat. A gas torch might also do the job. (desroying the clutch at the same time.) If that fails then drill the screw heads off so you can remove the clutch. Try heat again on screws. In the end you may ahve to grind screw off level with roof and drill new holes in GRP and ali nearby and tap new holes. ie move the new clutch.
Hopwever we might ask what is wrong with old clutch(s) Might be the wrong kind or size of rope. Or in my case just ac cept that they some times slip and take the halyard tail to a horn cleat. ol'will

 

[eddystone]

What a saga! bought an impact driver (which I can use for other things fortunately) cut away as much sealant round the edges as I could, boiling water, penetrating oil, more boiling water - impact driver no use. So now i'm going to have to go into a marina for a day with power as i cant seriously drag a generator on the dinghy and lift onto the boat. Will try to cut through clutch and screws with Ebauer multi-tool as no room to get an angle grinder in then when flush jut seal over screws - I can move the new Spinlock double a bit further back for different fixing position.

 

[Tranona]

I can move the new Spinlock double a bit further back for different fixing position.

You will need to check there is enough aluminium plate bonded in where you want to place the clutches. Use one of those metal detectors for finding wires in walls to determine the extent of the aluminium plate. You may find it easier to go sideways rather than backwards, although of course this may change the lead to the winch.

 

[eddystone]

If only! There is a gap of65mm between the existing good clutches just enough to get a Spinlock XAS double

 

[lustyd]

Only downside is that they’re a bit ‘all or nothing’.

Good ones aren’t. My Makita is extremely controllable and allows a very low power impact to gently nudge things loose.