I'd like to remove the score motor from this assembly for a good cleaning but there's a set screw with a square head that holds an actuator to the shaft. The set screw is wedged in there tight and the gap between the actuator and the frame isn't big enough for a wrench or a socket. I can grab it with needle nose pliers but can't apply enough torque to get it off. Penetrating oil and heat haven't helped yet. Any other suggestions?
Square head set screw (resized).jpg
/Mark
Quoted from rod90:1/4" 12pt deep well socket.
I was thinking the same, maybe with an extension. Worse case, grind the socket down. The cheaper the socket, probably the better since the wall might be thin to begin with.
Maybe something like this (but it's 8 point).
pasted_image (resized).pngWhat size is it?
Discussion of how to remove square head set screws -- https://hvac-talk.com/vbb/threads/1811161-Square-head-on-set-screw-any-socket-tool
Thanks for the suggestions.
I like the idea of a cheap thin walled socket. I went through some that I have and most won't fit in the available space which is less than 3/8".
I'll have to read up on the other discussion.
In the other forum, I like the idea of a 1/4" drive socket extension backwards , I'd use a crescent wrench or a big set of vice grips on the other end
Next question is whether to use the same screw to keep it original -or- replace it with a different type head.
Quoted from chas10e:In the other forum, I like the idea of a 1/4" drive socket extension backwards , I'd use a crescent wrench or a big set of vice grips on the other end
Next question is whether to use the same screw to keep it original -or- replace it with a different type head.
Functional beats original every time! Who will ever see it in this position?
I agree with HowardR’s suggestion of using a needle nose vise grips. It should provide the highest amount of torque in limited spaces. Once loosened and removed I would look to replace it with a Allen head screw.
Quoted from AndrewP:How about a 5/16” wrench, inserted on end, gripped by a crescent wrench for torque?
The set screw head is about 3/16" on a side. The space between the frame and the actuator is only about 11/32" wide. I don't know if I could turn a 3/16" wrench even if I had one.
Quoted from jeffc:Anyone ever try one of these? I’m a bit skeptical but who knows?
[quoted image]
I disagree with @haymaker. I have the original GatorGrip and use it for leg and backbox bolts. It was also helpful for installing screw eyes on my house for my Christmas lights. It would not help in this situation, though.
Quoted from MarkG:The set screw head is about 3/16" on a side. The space between the frame and the actuator is only about 11/32" wide. I don't know if I could turn a 3/16" wrench even if I had one.
How about this deep 3/16 socket with 1/4 inch drive?
Sorry this one won't work because its business end is 6 point.
As previously mentioned, you could try the female end of a 1/4" drive extension, with a wrench (crescent or otherwise) on the male end to turn it. A 4 or 8 point socket would be the correct tool. A 12 point socket is not the correct tool. Yes, you can sometimes get away with using one, but a 12 point socket has 60* angles, while 4 point fasteners have 90* angles.
Quoted from SKWilson:I disagree with @haymaker. I have the original GatorGrip and use it for leg and backbox bolts. It was also helpful for installing screw eyes on my house for my Christmas lights. It would not help in this situation, though.
Yes it will work in some general use applications. I didn't say it has absolutely no uses, I just have sockets for leg bolts but I don't have any problem with using one for leg bolts and stuff, but that doesn't mean its a good tool. Most of the ones nowadays are built even cheaper than the original gatorgrip. They tend to have loose, bent, and/or stuck pins. They break a lot, ect. If somebody gifted me one, I'm sure I could find some uses for one here and there but theres zero chance I'd waste my own money on one.
Quoted from MarkG:The 1/4" drive extensions I have are too wide to fit in the gap.
Grind one down until it fits into the gap. You’ll definitely have the grip if it’s the 1/4” female end of a ratchet extension that I’m thinking of.
a 1/4” drive 8pt socket (exterior ground down if needed for clearance) would be work fine, use penetrating oil and loosen with an electric impact driver to lessen the possibility of shearing it off
Quoted from Emkay79:As previously mentioned, you could try the female end of a 1/4" drive extension, with a wrench (crescent or otherwise) on the male end to turn it. A 4 or 8 point socket would be the correct tool. A 12 point socket is not the correct tool. Yes, you can sometimes get away with using one, but a 12 point socket has 60* angles, while 4 point fasteners have 90* angles.
I use a 12pt socket all the time when using a small tap. It may not be designed for it, but it suits me fine
I dug this out.
image (resized).jpg image (resized).jpg
Outer diameter is 6/16, inner looks like 3/16.
Length from handle to tip is only 1” (total length 1.5”). Too short?
image (resized).jpg image (resized).jpg
I also have this 7/32 wrench you are welcome to file to your needs. As before, you would insert it perpendicular on end and you might have enough clearance to “break” the seal and then switch to the needlenose.
Quoted from AndrewP:I dug this out.
[quoted image] [quoted image]
Outer diameter is 6/16, inner looks like 3/16.
Length from handle to tip is only 1” (total length 1.5”). Too short?
[quoted image] [quoted image]
I also have this 7/32 wrench you are welcome to file to your needs. As before, you would insert it perpendicular on end and you might have enough clearance to “break” the seal and then switch to the needlenose.
[quoted image]
Drum key!
I don't have a drum key but I do have a clock key. After letting the penetrating oil soak in overnight the clock key, which barely fit, backed that sucker right out, and before my new vice grips even shipped. Thanks AndrewP for the idea and to everyone else for the suggestions.
Square Set Screw (resized).jpg
Good deal getting it out. Don't forget this comment:
Quoted from pinballdaveh:...Once loosened and removed I would look to replace it with a Allen head screw.
Quoted from MarkG:I don't have a drum key but I do have a clock key. After letting the penetrating oil soak in overnight the clock key, which barely fit, backed that sucker right out, and before my new vice grips even shipped. Thanks AndrewP for the idea and to everyone else for the suggestions.
[quoted image]
That's a heck of a tool collection you must have.
Quoted from mbwalker:Good deal getting it out. Don't forget this comment:
No doubt.
Quoted from Mr68:That's a heck of a tool collection you must have.
Nah, just lucky. I have a pretty modest set of tools. It's all about seeing how much you can do with what you have. (Vice grip order canceled BTW.)
Quoted from o-din:Having the right set of tools for any job is always a good thing.
I believe they are called pipe plug sockets.
[quoted image]
[quoted image]
They're definitely a great thing to have. I bought these 2 sets about 26 years ago, just before I quit turning wrenches, so they have had very little use, but every once in a while they come in handy.
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Lincoln, NE
Ottawa, ON
Gaborone
You mean 3/8"...