Retrieving shaft key from deep in bilge

[christopherb]

The other day I noticed that the prop shaft had disengaged from the gearbox. Should be a straightforward fix (I thought) but (of course) the stainless steel key had dropped deep into the bilge, just visible but out of reach. I have a telescopic magnetic retrieval tool but (of course) the key is non-magnetic. And (of course) it's wet and oily. The photo shows its position (in the red box). It's right down in the bottom of the bilge below the exhaust.

I can think of various possible solutions but would appreciate any suggestions, including whether there exists a tool to grab this in such a tight space.

 

[jbweston]

Could you reach it with a pair of needle nose pliers if you extend the handles with a pair of pot plant canes duck taped to them?

 

[dansaskip]

What you need is a flexible spring loaded claw pick up like this
Lots of places sell them Search around for one long enough I wouldn't be without mine

 

[christopherb]

Two good suggestions. @dansaskip Do you think the claw thing would grip a thin slippy object?

 

[dansaskip]

I have used mine to retrieve all sorts of things including nuts and bolts, screws etc and even recently a brass screw lid of a water inlet stop cock.

 

[christopherb]

I have used mine to retrieve all sorts of things including nuts and bolts, screws etc and even recently a brass screw lid of a water inlet stop cock.

Thanks, I've seen a lot of those on Amazon so I'll get one.

 

[Norman_E]

If that key fell out of the keyway, it was probably too loose. What size is it. One mistake often made is to use a 5/16 inch key in a 8mm keyway. The imperial one is just very slightly smaller. If you know the keyway size just buy a new key made of proper hard key steel. Put in greased and a tight fit in the keyway it will not rust.

 

[Boathook]

Thanks, I've seen a lot of those on Amazon so I'll get one.

That's the problem with this forum. Useful tools that I haven't got but easily ordered ..............

 

[wonkywinch]

Straighten out wire coat hanger, put short 90 degree bend on the end and cover that with a blob of blu tack. Poke away until retrieved.

 

[Nigel52]

What you need is a flexible spring loaded claw pick up like this
Lots of places sell them Search around for one long enough I wouldn't be without mineView attachment 198512

Second that. Available on Amazon or ebay

 

[Wansworth]

I lost a brass screw off the impeller pump flushed out bilge till it washed out in more easily accessableplace

 

[donm]

The other day I noticed that the prop shaft had disengaged from the gearbox. Should be a straightforward fix (I thought) but (of course) the stainless steel key had dropped deep into the bilge, just visible but out of reach. I have a telescopic magnetic retrieval tool but (of course) the key is non-magnetic. And (of course) it's wet and oily. The photo shows its position (in the red box). It's right down in the bottom of the bilge below the exhaust.

I can think of various possible solutions but would appreciate any suggestions, including whether there exists a tool to grab this in such a tight space.

Is it just the angle of the 'photo, or is the shaft out of alignment with the coupling and maybe that caused the key to work loose?

 

[Bouba]

I used a 12v suction pump to empty the bilge.....it came with a long thin but stiff tube...I wonder if it could lift a piece of metal by suction perhaps just a long tube with one end in your mouth
I think a replacement key is the easiest option (and buy a few while you are at it)

 

[rotrax]

What you need is a flexible spring loaded claw pick up like this
Lots of places sell them Search around for one long enough I wouldn't be without mineView attachment 198512

I would not be without one of those on a boat!!!!!

 

[NormanS]

It depends on your own skill level, but it's not too difficult to make a key. It doesn't have to be stainless.

 

[rogerthebodger]

It depends on your own skill level, but it's not too difficult to make a key. It doesn't have to be stainless.

I made a key for my propeller to shaft connection I used normal key steel. You just need to be able to use a file

On my flexible coupling I used a taper lock bush to fix the flexible coupling to the inboard end of the prop shaft

 

[Norman_E]

Is it just the angle of the 'photo, or is the shaft out of alignment with the coupling and maybe that caused the key to work loose?

I wonder if it is fitted to a flexible drive? Even if it is, every effort should be made to get the alignment as accurate as possible.

 

[Norman_E]

It depends on your own skill level, but it's not too difficult to make a key. It doesn't have to be stainless.

Proper square section key steel is harder than mild steel, but still soft enough to saw to length, and to file.
https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/materials-maintenance-and-standard-parts/key-steel/c/160203

 

[christopherb]

I wonder if it is fitted to a flexible drive? Even if it is, every effort should be made to get the alignment as accurate as possible.

It's all rigid and well aligned. I did have it apart last year so probably didn't tighten the locking bolt well enough. The key fell out once the prop shaft parted from the gearbox.

 

[christopherb]

@wonkywinch the key is wet and oily so blue tack won't stick to it.

I've ordered a flexible spring loaded claw pick up as suggested by @dansaskip and hope that does the job.