Screw removal - fin

[yvanboniec]

Ok. I done it. We stuck the screw in a clamp and unscrew it by pressing the fin.

They gave me a shorter screw. It is much easier to fit in.

[isobars]

Be sure that shorter fin solidly engages its nut. If not, it may strip out some threads.

Mike \m/

[walkingman]

Another thing about stainless fasteners is that they tend to "gall" if over tightened. Galling is a condition where the fastener threads become almost fused together through over tightening. A lot of heat is generated at the micro level on the pointy edges of threads when the fastener is tightened. This will cause breakdown of protective surface oxides and allow base metals to further deform and fuse. It's a really common problem with stainless fasteners. The cure? Always use lubricant on stainless fasteners, and never over tighten. Spray the bolt threads with a PTFE based lube or use an anti-seize lube that you might find at an auto parts store. Then, like Mike said, give the fastener no more than one turn past finger tight. Also, if you are successful in (read: lucky enough to...) getting a galled bolt out, make sure that you check the condition of the threads of the nut in your fin by hand spinning a new bolt into it. If you drive and tighten a new bolt into damaged receiver bolt threads, galling will probably happen again, especially if un-lubed. Cheers, -Steve