rope cutter removal odd fastener size

[gordmac]

I need to change my cutless bearings and to do so need to remove the disc type rope cutters. A 4mm allen key is too lose and a 4.5mm one too big. I am guessing it is 11/64" but can't find an allen key or bit that size. Anyone any idea where I might find such a thing before I try hammering a 4.5mm bit in (I don't have any of these either!).

 

[davidwf]

Ebay loads of Imperial sets http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_t...1&_nkw=imperial+allen+keys&_sacat=0&_from=R40

no 11/64 but supect that a 5/32 is probably what you want.

 

[pvb]

no 11/64 but supect that a 5/32 is probably what you want.

5/32 is less than 4mm, so would be even looser!

 

[VicS]

If you are sure that the socket is clean why not grind a 4.5mm key to fit ?

 

[gordmac]

Thanks for the replies.
4mm is too small and as said 5/32 is smaller. 11/64 is, I think, a non preferred American size and a rather strange one to use. I will need to go and get a couple of 4.5mm and see what I can do with them. Bit of a pain!

 

[VicS]

Even 4.5mm is not a common size

You are sure its not a Torx head ??

 

[Heckler]

Even 4.5mm is not a common size

You are sure its not a Torx head ??

I had the same prob on mine, it was neither one or the other, I ended up grinding one to suit. Itwas a rush job in between tides, I never did get to the bottom of it. Its always been a niggle in my mind so good to hear am not the only one
Stu

 

[[27631]]

star drive

...try using a star drive..find the tightest fitting one,may ruin the allen key head..but you can fit new ones of known dimensions.Has often worked for me.

 

[Neil_Y]

I've also used the tight star driver approach, if it's a good quality (hard) one, gently tap it in and it grips old or damaged allen bolts. I also have a full set of imperial allen keys but have also come across what seem to be odd sizes.

 

[VicS]

Start divers mentioned being the same as Torx ?

 

[gordmac]

Thanks.
Not too familiar with these new fangled Torx and Spline things! I don't have much of a selection and the boat is a 40 mile round trip, will gather up all I can find and see what I can hammer in. Had an unsuccessful shopping trip for a 4.5mm bit today, online it would seem is the way forward.