10 replies to this topic

[gazza82]

My normal method is to tap gently under one end with a thin screwdriver .. but it refuses to budge ..

 

Any clever tricks?

 

 

[nicklouse]

Tap down on one end and then the other. It will lift out.

[Tamworthbay]

Some gentle heat on the crank end can help, use an electric paint stripper rather than a blowtorch.

[gazza82]

nicklouse: tried that ... didn't shift and didn't hit it too hard to avoid jamming it in further. You known that feeling when you have three hammers and you wonder if you should use the smallest or largest ..  I played safe.

 

Tamworthbay: didn't need to try your idea ... read on ... I had stripper gun ready though.

 

In the end I used a nail punch ... got it underneath and tapped gently and few times and it popped up. Think the screwdriver handle was taking the shock. It was still tight to pull out though.

 

Now .. new one don't go back!!!! Argghhhh ........ I'll have another look to see if there is an edge or something on the crank slot before I look at whether the key needs some gentle relieving.

 

Cam key went in first time!!

[Tamworthbay]

Heat can also work to get it back in, heat the crank and freeze the key. But it shouldn't need it, they should be tight but not that tight,

[gazza82]

This key seems to be a shade too wide ... it doesn't slide in .. vernier time ..

[Fast Ivan]

This key seems to be a shade too wide ... it doesn't slide in .. vernier time ..

micrometer time

[Spider]

Just rub the key on a Diamond Lap a few times.

[gazza82]

I would if I had one! I've found a micrometer though ... legacy of my late Dad ... shame he never taught me to use one (but thanks Google!)

 

At the moment the keys are chilling out in the freezer in the garage!

[gazza82]

Would one of the credit card size diamond tiles work?

[carbon]

Use fine emery or wet&dry on a flat surface, such as a glass plate.

 

Keep the key flat on the emery and you will be able to gradually rub the sides of the woodruff key down until you can get to be a very snug fit in the crank keyway.