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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Previous owners had fastened down an inspection chamber lid on the patio,
but the screws will not budge. Tried numerous applications of PlusGas, and it does disappear down the sides of the screws, which later still refuse to move at all. Apart from keeping on with the PlusGas, are there any other ways of persuading the screws to turn? (Last resort: drill them out...) The cover and sample screw can be seen he https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...tion-cover.JPG https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...over-screw.JPG -- /\/\aurice (Replace "nomail.afraid" by "bcs" to reply by email) |
#2
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:21:10 +0000, Maurice wrote:
Previous owners had fastened down an inspection chamber lid on the patio, but the screws will not budge. Tried numerous applications of PlusGas, and it does disappear down the sides of the screws, which later still refuse to move at all. Apart from keeping on with the PlusGas, are there any other ways of persuading the screws to turn? (Last resort: drill them out...) I've found Plusgas and all the other so-called "releasing agents" to be totally useless, to be honest. This looks like a job for an impact driver. I'd be reasonably confident about getting them out with one of those, having previously had consistently good results with them. |
#3
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 03/08/2016 18:57, Cursitor Doom wrote:
I've found Plusgas and all the other so-called "releasing agents" to be totally useless, to be honest. This looks like a job for an impact driver. I'd be reasonably confident about getting them out with one of those, having previously had consistently good results with them. I was having trouble getting a screw loose on a bracket what I did was use my cordless drill on a low speed low torque setting and increased gradually so it wouldnt strip the head. I was quite surprised that it loosened it, maybe just luck but it worked. |
#4
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Kill or cure then...!
Brian -- ----- - This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from... The Sofa of Brian Gaff... Blind user, so no pictures please! "Cursitor Doom" wrote in message ... On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:21:10 +0000, Maurice wrote: Previous owners had fastened down an inspection chamber lid on the patio, but the screws will not budge. Tried numerous applications of PlusGas, and it does disappear down the sides of the screws, which later still refuse to move at all. Apart from keeping on with the PlusGas, are there any other ways of persuading the screws to turn? (Last resort: drill them out...) I've found Plusgas and all the other so-called "releasing agents" to be totally useless, to be honest. This looks like a job for an impact driver. I'd be reasonably confident about getting them out with one of those, having previously had consistently good results with them. |
#5
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:57:45 +0000, Cursitor Doom wrote:
This looks like a job for an impact driver. Numerous applications of PlusGas and Impact Driver* did the trick! The 'screws' are actually 1/4" dia 2" bolts with a circular slotted head. Cleaned the gunge off, applied silicon spray to thread and bolthole and replaced them. Looks as though the bottom 1/2" of the thread screws into a flange projecting from the side of the chamber, but what I still need to check is whether or not the upper part of the thread engages with the lid itself after unscrewung from flange. If it does, then perhaps there's a handle of some kind that could screw into that (or try tying rope round bolt head, but head isn't all that wide). What might do the trick - if it exists - is a lifting spindle with spring arms at the end, that could be passed down through the bolthole until it comes out of the lower edge of the lid, at which point the spring arms would shoot out and provide lifting capability. (Once lid lifted out, retract arms to retrieve spindle.) But probably not enough clearance between lid and chamber flange for arms to operate. Tomorrow will get a screw out and see if it still grips inside the lid on the way out. Too exhausted to do any more today... In the meantime, anyone know of lifting gadgets for these situations, please? (* Draper kit; head setting for unscrew quite ambiguous. Trial and error...) -- /\/\aurice (Only 83) (Replace "nomail.afraid" by "bcs" to reply by email) |
#6
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Maurice wrote:
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:57:45 +0000, Cursitor Doom wrote: This looks like a job for an impact driver. Numerous applications of PlusGas and Impact Driver* did the trick! The 'screws' are actually 1/4" dia 2" bolts with a circular slotted head. Cleaned the gunge off, applied silicon spray to thread and bolthole and replaced them. Looks as though the bottom 1/2" of the thread screws into a flange projecting from the side of the chamber, but what I still need to check is whether or not the upper part of the thread engages with the lid itself after unscrewung from flange. Unlikely I would have thought at that would interfere with the screws clamping force. Tim -- Trolls and troll feeders go in my killfile |
#7
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 15/08/2016 17:26, Maurice wrote:
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:57:45 +0000, Cursitor Doom wrote: This looks like a job for an impact driver. Numerous applications of PlusGas and Impact Driver* did the trick! The 'screws' are actually 1/4" dia 2" bolts with a circular slotted head. Cleaned the gunge off, applied silicon spray to thread and bolthole and replaced them. Looks as though the bottom 1/2" of the thread screws into a flange projecting from the side of the chamber, but what I still need to check is whether or not the upper part of the thread engages with the lid itself after unscrewung from flange. If it does, then perhaps there's a handle of some kind that could screw into that (or try tying rope round bolt head, but head isn't all that wide). What might do the trick - if it exists - is a lifting spindle with spring arms at the end, that could be passed down through the bolthole until it comes out of the lower edge of the lid, at which point the spring arms would shoot out and provide lifting capability. (Once lid lifted out, retract arms to retrieve spindle.) But probably not enough clearance between lid and chamber flange for arms to operate. Tomorrow will get a screw out and see if it still grips inside the lid on the way out. Too exhausted to do any more today... In the meantime, anyone know of lifting gadgets for these situations, please? (* Draper kit; head setting for unscrew quite ambiguous. Trial and error...) Someone provided a link to 'J' keys on the Screwfix site a few days ago. A couple of pairs of those - and two people to operate them -should do the trick. -- Cheers, Roger ____________ Please reply to Newsgroup. Whilst email address is valid, it is seldom checked. |
#8
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Roger Mills wrote:
Someone provided a link to 'J' keys on the Screwfix site a few days ago. A couple of pairs of those - and two people to operate them -should do the trick. Or a trolley jack at one end and a human at the other ... |
#9
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 15/08/2016 22:47, Andy Burns wrote:
Roger Mills wrote: Someone provided a link to 'J' keys on the Screwfix site a few days ago. A couple of pairs of those - and two people to operate them -should do the trick. Or a trolley jack at one end and a human at the other ... For my manhole cover I just lever it up with a 'utility bar' http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p14195 I lever it up on one side just enough to slide/kick a piece of scrap wood underneath, Once raised this far and is supported with the wood just lift one edge by hand so that the the cover is vertical and then just swing it to one side. -- mailto: news {at} admac {dot] myzen {dot} co {dot} uk |
#10
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 15/08/2016 22:47, Andy Burns wrote:
Roger Mills wrote: Someone provided a link to 'J' keys on the Screwfix site a few days ago. A couple of pairs of those - and two people to operate them -should do the trick. Or a trolley jack at one end and a human at the other ... I don't see how that would help. You need two hands on each pair of keys, angling them towards each other as you lift. -- Cheers, Roger ____________ Please reply to Newsgroup. Whilst email address is valid, it is seldom checked. |
#11
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Mon, 15 Aug 2016 22:42:17 +0100, Roger Mills wrote:
Someone provided a link to 'J' keys on the Screwfix site a few days ago. I can't find anything there that is other than hook/T-end,D-end - no use. None for threaded situation. The only gadget I could find that might have the needed screw fitment is this on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/zszhhva but not sure yet the screw fittings would suit. -- /\/\aurice (Replace "nomail.afraid" by "bcs" to reply by email) |
#12
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Maurice wrote:
On Mon, 15 Aug 2016 22:42:17 +0100, Roger Mills wrote: Someone provided a link to 'J' keys on the Screwfix site a few days ago. I can't find anything there that is other than hook/T-end,D-end - no use. How do you know? A hook/J-ended bar seems to be exactly what you need. None for threaded situation. As I've already explained, the cover is almost certainly unthreaded. A threaded lifting bar is probably not what you want. The only gadget I could find that might have the needed screw fitment is this on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/zszhhva but not sure yet the screw fittings would suit. Look on eBay for "lifting bars". Pick a J shaped one that looks like it will fit through the holes. Tim -- Trolls AND TROLL FEEDERS all go in my kill file |
#13
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 16/08/2016 15:44, Maurice wrote:
The only gadget I could find that might have the needed screw fitment is this on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/zszhhva but not sure yet the screw fittings would suit. Forget the bl**dy threads! The holes in the lid are almost certainly not threaded. Even if they were, the J keys will hook onto the undersides of the holes, allowing the lid to be lifted. [Insert the hooked end of the keys into the holes with the handles almost horizontal and facing each other. Then move the handles towards the upright position - and lift.] -- Cheers, Roger ____________ Please reply to Newsgroup. Whilst email address is valid, it is seldom checked. |
#14
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Mon, 15 Aug 2016 16:26:23 +0000, I wrote:
what I still need to check is whether or not the upper part of the thread engages with the lid itself after unscrewing from flange. Sadly, it doesn't, although there may be a gadget that has a slightly larger screw thread that would grip the side of the bolt hole. (Or one of those expanding bolts (e.g. Rawlplug) that are inserted and then expanded to grip.) That might be the only 'lifting' solution. What might do the trick - if it exists - is a lifting spindle with spring arms at the end, that could be passed down through the bolthole until it comes out of the lower edge of the lid, at which point the spring arms would shoot out and provide lifting capability. But probably not enough clearance between lid and chamber flange for arms to operate. No, not enough... -- /\/\aurice (Replace "nomail.afraid" by "bcs" to reply by email) |
#15
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Maurice wrote:
Previous owners had fastened down an inspection chamber lid on the patio, but the screws will not budge. Tried numerous applications of PlusGas, and it does disappear down the sides of the screws, which later still refuse to move at all. Apart from keeping on with the PlusGas, are there any other ways of persuading the screws to turn? (Last resort: drill them out...) The cover and sample screw can be seen he https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...tion-cover.JPG https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...over-screw.JPG Unscrewing the screws won't get you anywhere as it's an inset lid....the lid just sits inside a steel tray, nothing fixes down to anything (It's a steel tray sitting inside a steel frame, you can see the two strips of thin steel running parallel to each other around the edge.) It should have handles that pull up so that the whole thing, paving and all lifts out, but the handles won't be under those screws - it looks like they've pointed over them. You may have to scrape out the pointing inbetween the screws to locate the lifting mechanism, maybe handles but maybe holes in steel in which a key is inserted, not that you've got a key... |
#16
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Phil L wrote:
Unscrewing the screws won't get you anywhere as it's an inset lid Maybe you're then supposed to screw some handles or hooks or something into the threaded holes? |
#17
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Andy Burns wrote:
Phil L wrote: Unscrewing the screws won't get you anywhere as it's an inset lid Maybe you're then supposed to screw some handles or hooks or something into the threaded holes? Maybe, but in 25 years of installing these things I've never seen one like that. Normally, there's a black plastic strip, which is prised off with a flat driver and underneath is a lift handle that pulls up, there's one on each side. Other than that, they sometimes have a welded steel plate covering about 40mm of opposite corners and this plate has a hole in it in which a suitable shaped lump of metal is inserted and lifted. this thing looks like the lifting mechanism is along each side inbetween these screws - the pointing is particularly wide here....although like i said, I've never seen one like that. It is of course a possibility that the screws themselves are the lifting mechanism and are not meant to be moved, I'd scrape around and under each one and insert a suitable rope / cable / whatever and lift it out that way. |
#18
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Phil L wrote:
Andy Burns wrote: Maybe you're then supposed to screw some handles or hooks or something into the threaded holes? Maybe, but in 25 years of installing these things I've never seen one like that. Normally, there's a black plastic strip, which is prised off with a flat driver and underneath is a lift handle that pulls up, there's one on each side. Indeed mine is like that, but neighbour's is more like the O/P's, we needed a heavy duty pair of threaded manhole keys and two car jacks to shift it. |
#19
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Andy Burns wrote:
Phil L wrote: Unscrewing the screws won't get you anywhere as it's an inset lid Maybe you're then supposed to screw some handles or hooks or something into the threaded holes? Nope. It's one of these: http://bit.ly/2am05rv The paving needs to come out and then be set back in after whatever needs doing in the manhole |
#20
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Phil L wrote:
Andy Burns wrote: Maybe you're then supposed to screw some handles or hooks or something into the threaded holes? Nope. It's one of these: http://bit.ly/2am05rv The paving needs to come out and then be set back in after whatever needs doing in the manhole surely not? e.g. http://www.manholecovers.co.uk/catalogue/recessed-steel-access-covers/double-seal-double-cover-recessed-airtight-seals which says ... "When unlocked screw holes act as lifting eyes" |
#21
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Andy Burns wrote:
Phil L wrote: Andy Burns wrote: Maybe you're then supposed to screw some handles or hooks or something into the threaded holes? Nope. It's one of these: http://bit.ly/2am05rv The paving needs to come out and then be set back in after whatever needs doing in the manhole surely not? e.g. http://www.manholecovers.co.uk/catalogue/recessed-steel-access-covers/double-seal-double-cover-recessed-airtight-seals which says ... "When unlocked screw holes act as lifting eyes" Probably. I took the four steel bars across the corners as lifting handles. This is not the manhole for the job, the screw down type are for lids which are likely to come under back pressure, IE in basements etc. Normal garden type manholes don't need to be screwed down within themselves, there's enough weight in the paving / mortar etc inside the lid, they weigh in at about 50kg when filled. All plastic ones are normally screwed down as there's no weight in them To the OP: Good luck finding a threaded handle, well, several threaded handles really |
#22
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 20:48:53 +0100, Andy Burns wrote:
When unlocked screw holes act as lifting eyes" Presumably some kind of handle that screws into the vacated threads, but I imagine 2 pairs would be needed, so don't see how a pair could be screwed in for one of the lifting handles. But given the right design I guess such a gadget could be made (but not by me...). -- /\/\aurice (Replace "nomail.afraid" by "bcs" to reply by email) |
#23
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 20:16:53 +0100, Phil L wrote:
The paving needs to come out and then be set back in after whatever needs doing in the manhole What puzzles me is: What are the screws screwed into? If they are holding the whole lid down they would need 4 flanges projecting horizontally into the cavity, which I'm not sure I believe. If the screws are not holding the lid in position (but simply holding the lid together), then perhaps it's a case of levering the lid out after clearing out the inset material? (if that can be done without taking the screws out). When we had a drain blockage last year, the guy who came to sort it out tried to get this lid off, but simply failed to move the screws, which presumably means he had not come across any other solution. (Eventually discovered it was a different manhole cover that needed lifting, which was eventually found (using a metal detector) buried under a layer of gravel and stones...) -- /\/\aurice (Replace "nomail.afraid" by "bcs" to reply by email) |
#24
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 05/08/2016 13:32, Maurice wrote:
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 20:16:53 +0100, Phil L wrote: The paving needs to come out and then be set back in after whatever needs doing in the manhole What puzzles me is: What are the screws screwed into? The outer frame, this is concreted in. If they are holding the whole lid down they would need 4 flanges projecting horizontally into the cavity, which I'm not sure I believe. They project outwards and are under the surrounding paving. |
#25
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Phil L wrote:
Maurice wrote: Previous owners had fastened down an inspection chamber lid on the patio, but the screws will not budge. Tried numerous applications of PlusGas, and it does disappear down the sides of the screws, which later still refuse to move at all. Apart from keeping on with the PlusGas, are there any other ways of persuading the screws to turn? (Last resort: drill them out...) The cover and sample screw can be seen he https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...tion-cover.JPG https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...over-screw.JPG Unscrewing the screws won't get you anywhere as it's an inset lid....the lid just sits inside a steel tray, nothing fixes down to anything (It's a steel tray sitting inside a steel frame, you can see the two strips of thin steel running parallel to each other around the edge.) It should have handles that pull up so that the whole thing, paving and all lifts out, but the handles won't be under those screws - it looks like they've pointed over them. You may have to scrape out the pointing inbetween the screws to locate the lifting mechanism, maybe handles but maybe holes in steel in which a key is inserted, not that you've got a key... I think it's a sealed down tray, which is used in an indoor location normally. I've a couple in my kitchen, which are floor screed filled to allow for tiling over the top. The screws do hold down the tray onto a rubber seal to prevent/reduce water leakage. I'd use a manual impact driver very gently to break the screws loose and get them moving. Maybe some heat will also be required. |
#26
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 21:49:52 +0100, Capitol wrote:
I'd use a manual impact driver very gently to break the screws loose and get them moving. Does "manual impact driver" mean hammer, by any chance?! (Have tried tapping the screw heads with a hammer.) -- /\/\aurice (Replace "nomail.afraid" by "bcs" to reply by email) |
#27
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Fri, 05 Aug 2016 12:17:12 +0000, Maurice wrote:
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 21:49:52 +0100, Capitol wrote: I'd use a manual impact driver very gently to break the screws loose and get them moving. Does "manual impact driver" mean hammer, by any chance?! It means a manual impact driver. I've had one for nearly 50 years. It still works. Bit solid slug of metal, with a screwdriver socket in the end, on a very big, coarse thread. Put screwdriver in screw, hold it tight and hit the other end with a hammer. http://goo.gl/yN4cVq -- My posts are my copyright and if @diy_forums or Home Owners' Hub wish to copy them they can pay me £1 a message. Use the BIG mirror service in the UK: http://www.mirrorservice.org *lightning surge protection* - a w_tom conductor |
#28
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Fri, 05 Aug 2016 12:45:59 +0000, Bob Eager wrote:
http://goo.gl/yN4cVq Thank you for that, Bob! Will invest in one... -- /\/\aurice (Replace "nomail.afraid" by "bcs" to reply by email) |
#29
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 05/08/16 13:17, Maurice wrote:
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 21:49:52 +0100, Capitol wrote: I'd use a manual impact driver very gently to break the screws loose and get them moving. Does "manual impact driver" mean hammer, by any chance?! (Have tried tapping the screw heads with a hammer.) No - probably means one of these: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...erWithBits.png |
#30
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
Maurice wrote:
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 21:49:52 +0100, Capitol wrote: I'd use a manual impact driver very gently to break the screws loose and get them moving. Does "manual impact driver" mean hammer, by any chance?! (Have tried tapping the screw heads with a hammer.) No, a hand held impact screwdriver, tapped with a hammer. You can control the impact force doing it this way. |
#31
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 03/08/2016 19:54, Phil L wrote:
Maurice wrote: Previous owners had fastened down an inspection chamber lid on the patio, but the screws will not budge. Tried numerous applications of PlusGas, and it does disappear down the sides of the screws, which later still refuse to move at all. Apart from keeping on with the PlusGas, are there any other ways of persuading the screws to turn? (Last resort: drill them out...) The cover and sample screw can be seen he https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...tion-cover.JPG https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...over-screw.JPG Unscrewing the screws won't get you anywhere as it's an inset lid....the lid just sits inside a steel tray, nothing fixes down to anything Its not going anywhere until he undoes the screws. The screws hold the two parts together and he doesn't want to rip the frame out. I used to have one just like it. Its going to be very heavy with all the paving in it. |
#32
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 19:54:01 +0100, Phil L wrote:
It should have handles that pull up so that the whole thing, paving and all lifts out, but the handles won't be under those screws - it looks like they've pointed over them. I suspect you are right! But I'm reluctant to remove the infill, as the cover is currently flush with the often-used paved patio, so the lat resort is to try to lever the lid out with e.g. a spade, although the gap between cover and frame is small (e.g. 3mm) at best.. -- /\/\aurice (Replace "nomail.afraid" by "bcs" to reply by email) |
#33
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 03/08/2016 18:21, Maurice wrote:
Previous owners had fastened down an inspection chamber lid on the patio, but the screws will not budge. Tried numerous applications of PlusGas, and it does disappear down the sides of the screws, which later still refuse to move at all. Apart from keeping on with the PlusGas, are there any other ways of persuading the screws to turn? (Last resort: drill them out...) The cover and sample screw can be seen he https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...tion-cover.JPG https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...over-screw.JPG I would have thought an impact driver after lots of Plusgas or similar. |
#34
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 03/08/2016 20:11, Fredxxx wrote:
On 03/08/2016 18:21, Maurice wrote: Previous owners had fastened down an inspection chamber lid on the patio, but the screws will not budge. Tried numerous applications of PlusGas, and it does disappear down the sides of the screws, which later still refuse to move at all. Apart from keeping on with the PlusGas, are there any other ways of persuading the screws to turn? (Last resort: drill them out...) The cover and sample screw can be seen he https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...tion-cover.JPG https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...over-screw.JPG I would have thought an impact driver after lots of Plusgas or similar. Blowtorch on the screws first? Then insert screw driver and tap the handle with a hammer before attempting to turn them. A screwdriver with the blade the same width as the screw helps, especially one with a long shaft as well. -- mailto: news {at} admac {dot] myzen {dot} co {dot} uk |
#35
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 03/08/2016 22:08, alan_m wrote:
On 03/08/2016 20:11, Fredxxx wrote: On 03/08/2016 18:21, Maurice wrote: Previous owners had fastened down an inspection chamber lid on the patio, but the screws will not budge. Tried numerous applications of PlusGas, and it does disappear down the sides of the screws, which later still refuse to move at all. Apart from keeping on with the PlusGas, are there any other ways of persuading the screws to turn? (Last resort: drill them out...) The cover and sample screw can be seen he https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...tion-cover.JPG https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...over-screw.JPG I would have thought an impact driver after lots of Plusgas or similar. Blowtorch on the screws first? Then insert screw driver and tap the handle with a hammer before attempting to turn them. A screwdriver with the blade the same width as the screw helps, especially one with a long shaft as well. Despite others here swearing by blowtorches, I've never been successful with applying heat. I find whatever is binding steel against steel simply gets stronger. Possibly the similar to cold welding, but given the temperature more efficient. On the other hand I've been more successful at applying shock, such as the combination if direct impact and turning action through the use of an impact driver. I've often resorted to the careful drilling of a screw or bolt where it's sheared through binding and rust. In the OP's case, I doubt the screws are of importance given the weight of stone. |
#36
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 8/3/2016 10:25 PM, Fredxxx wrote:
On 03/08/2016 22:08, alan_m wrote: Despite others here swearing by blowtorches, I've never been successful with applying heat. I find whatever is binding steel against steel simply gets stronger. Possibly the similar to cold welding, but given the temperature more efficient. I definitely agree in this case. However it is remarkable how exhaust fasteners come loose if you take them up to red heat with a gas axe. |
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 22:25:08 +0100, Fredxxx wrote:
I doubt the screws are of importance given the weight of stone. Good point! I've been wondering how removing the screws will help the situation, unless they are fastening the lid to the frame in some way. Supposing I got the screws out. How does that get me nearer to lifting the lid (unless there I have a lifting gadget that can be screwed in in their place)? I don't see any other solution, so if I then can't find such a gadget then the cover will be immoveable - unless perhaps if I somehow remove all the filling that's in the lid find something to provide sufficient lifting grip. -- /\/\aurice (Replace "nomail.afraid" by "bcs" to reply by email) |
#38
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 22:22:05 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote:
use an adjustable spanner tightened down onto the flats. When you say "the flats", you mean the screwdriver blade, presumably, to provide torque on the horizontal plane? Will give that a try... -- /\/\aurice (Replace "nomail.afraid" by "bcs" to reply by email) |
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 03/08/16 18:21, Maurice wrote:
Previous owners had fastened down an inspection chamber lid on the patio, but the screws will not budge. Tried numerous applications of PlusGas, and it does disappear down the sides of the screws, which later still refuse to move at all. Apart from keeping on with the PlusGas, are there any other ways of persuading the screws to turn? (Last resort: drill them out...) The cover and sample screw can be seen he https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...tion-cover.JPG https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...over-screw.JPG At some risk to the stones, hot gas flame - ideally a fine very hot one to heat the screw red hot. That will usually crack the rust, but in your case, it *may* crack a stone too. |
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Inspection chamber cover: Screws wl not unscrew...
On 03/08/16 23:24, Tim Watts wrote:
On 03/08/16 18:21, Maurice wrote: Previous owners had fastened down an inspection chamber lid on the patio, but the screws will not budge. Tried numerous applications of PlusGas, and it does disappear down the sides of the screws, which later still refuse to move at all. Apart from keeping on with the PlusGas, are there any other ways of persuading the screws to turn? (Last resort: drill them out...) The cover and sample screw can be seen he https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...tion-cover.JPG https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...over-screw.JPG At some risk to the stones, hot gas flame - ideally a fine very hot one to heat the screw red hot. That will usually crack the rust, but in your case, it *may* crack a stone too. AND assuming there's not plastic or rubber seals present (saw someone else's post). |
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