Tried to loosen the T40 hex bolt after a session on Sunday and it was on so tight my tool broke. After multiple attempts it now looks like my hex bolt is stripped. Anyone have any suggestions with a stripped bolt in the Axis aluminum Mast to Fuse connection?
Or...is this a sign from the almighty that I should just buy the High Modulus Carbon Mast?
DC
Hi , start with easy outs . Look them up on google, buy a good quality drill bit to give your first attempt a genuine chace . If you dont have any luck you can cut a straight line through centre of the bolt head with a cutting disk in a small grinder . Then use a flat head screw driver to remove the stuck bolt . Make the cut down the centre of the fuse so as to lessen the impact of the ugly gouge. Good luck t
A reverse thread drill bit got mine out. Drill a small pilot hole in the screw head first to make the job easier. Then insert the reverse head bit in the pilot hole and with your drill in the reverse setting you should be able back it out.
Just drill the counter sunk head out , pretty easy . Then remove the dodad and you will have apx 30mm of thread sticking out , just grab that with vice grips and ease out . I've done this heaps for people easy peasy , just buy new 9 or 10mm drill bit. Problem with easy outs if you snap them , then you have to drill out hardened steel.
Select to expand quoteDcharlton said..
Tried to loosen the T40 hex bolt after a session on Sunday and it was on so tight my tool broke. After multiple attempts it now looks like my hex bolt is stripped. Anyone have any suggestions with a stripped bolt in the Axis aluminum Mast to Fuse connection?
Or...is this a sign from the almighty that I should just buy the High Modulus Carbon Mast?
DC
Definitely buy the high modulus, if your northern sydney i have the easyouts you need and can help.
Thank you all! Appreciate the advice!
Think I'll buy the HM Mast anyway, I'll order after a few drinks!
DC
What Piros says. I've never had any success with easy outs in any situation (kiting, winging, old cars, etc). The Piros method is the easiest way to deal with Axis screws.
What Piros says. I've never had any success with easy outs in any situation (kiting, winging, old cars, etc). The Piros method is the easiest way to deal with Axis screws.
Thanks all for the tips. I ran a reverse steel bit trying to drill thru to remove the seated cap off like Piros suggested. I kept working up to bigger drill bits drilling in reverse, on the biggest drill bit, I guess the force of the drill and friction actually caught and unscrewed the bolt without needing to drill out the seated cap.
Ofcourse, NOW I've got a High Modulus mast on order and it's too late to reverse... oh well, guess I'll have to just live with the new HM mast!
Really appreciate your help everyone!
DC
Select to expand quoteDcharlton said..
Tried to loosen the T40 hex bolt after a session on Sunday and it was on so tight my tool broke. After multiple attempts it now looks like my hex bolt is stripped. Anyone have any suggestions with a stripped bolt in the Axis aluminum Mast to Fuse connection?
Or...is this a sign from the almighty that I should just buy the High Modulus Carbon Mast?
DC
I'll co-sign your BS! Buy the High Mod!
Select to expand quoteDcharlton said..
Thanks all for the tips. I ran a reverse steel bit trying to drill thru to remove the seated cap off like Piros suggested. I kept working up to bigger drill bits drilling in reverse, on the biggest drill bit, I guess the force of the drill and friction actually caught and unscrewed the bolt without needing to drill out the seated cap.
Ofcourse, NOW I've got a High Modulus mast on order and it's too late to reverse... oh well, guess I'll have to just live with the new HM mast!
Really appreciate your help everyone!
DC
You know you need it 
Hi Guys I've run into the same problem today. So do you use a normal 9mm drill and just drill through the stripped bolt until the dodad can pop off? I'm not understanding? Can anyone clarify?
Select to expand quoteLeyland said..
Hi Guys I've run into the same problem today. So do you use a normal 9mm drill and just drill through the stripped bolt until the dodad can pop off? I'm not understanding? Can anyone clarify?
I think the simplest method is to use reverse (right hand steel drill bits). I bought a bolt extractor drill bit set but wound up ONLY using the reverse drill bits and not the extractor bits. I just kept drilling in reverse trying to drill out the seated cap which is what keeps the bolt connected to the fuselage. Eventually the vibration from the drilling were enough to unscrew it without having to go thru the entire cap.
DC
Piros' is the best way and if you still can't loosen the bolt with it in a vice, you can put the end of the mast into your oven at max heat. Use an old cloth to fill the gap as you obviously won't be able to close the door. Once it's hot, use oven mitts to take it out & back to the vice. The aluminium expands more than the bolt so voila - it will now screw out.
I used this method with my Slingshot mast & it was the only way to remove the bolt. The heat discoloured the mast's anodising but it was ok afterwards.
