Difference between revisions of "Keel Bolts - Inspecting Tightening"

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(New page: ==Keel Bolts== ''' By Bob Kuba, ''Quiet Island'' #1291 (1994)''')
 
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==Keel Bolts==
 
==Keel Bolts==
 
''' By Bob Kuba,  ''Quiet Island'' #1291 (1994)'''
 
''' By Bob Kuba,  ''Quiet Island'' #1291 (1994)'''
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====Keel Bolts, Out of sight and out of mind. ====
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This is a project that should be on your commissioning list, ''before'' your boat goes in the water. Ensure that your keel bolts have the proper amount of torque on them.
 +
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====Wing and Fin Keels====
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Same value, torque to 107 ft. lbs.
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 +
====Tools needed====
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* Torque wrench (You can rent for a day from many auto-parts supply stores)
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* 9" extension bar
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* 1 1/8"    6 point deep socket - 1/2" drive.
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====Gotchas====
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Not all keel studs are created equal. Before purchasing a socket measure your longest keel bolt assembly from the bottom of the nut to the top of the stud. Some boats have short studs and others have much longer studs.
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* Sears
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:The "standard" deep socket from Sears is 3 1/4" tall. ($10.69)
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:http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?keyword=1+1%2F8+inch+deep+socket&x=20&y=6
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:Measuring from the bottom of the nut to the top of the stud It will accomodate a height of approximately 2 1/2 inches.<br />
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* Snap-on Tools ($60.67)
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:Their deep specialty socket is 5" tall
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:http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=3599&group_ID=405&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
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:Measuring from the bottom of the nut to the top of the stud It will accomodate a height of approximately 4 1/4 inches.
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* Custom Socket ($25 - $35)
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:If your longest stud is taller than 4 1/4" there is an easy solution. Purchase the Sears deep socket and take it to a local welding shop and have them cut it in half and extend it to 5 1/2", or more using a piece of steel pipe. It works, and for about a third the price of a specialty socket.
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[[image:custom_socket.jpg|thumb|200px|left|5 1/4" Custom welded socket]]

Revision as of 23:57, 8 May 2009

Keel Bolts

By Bob Kuba, Quiet Island #1291 (1994)


Keel Bolts, Out of sight and out of mind.

This is a project that should be on your commissioning list, before your boat goes in the water. Ensure that your keel bolts have the proper amount of torque on them.

Wing and Fin Keels

Same value, torque to 107 ft. lbs.

Tools needed

  • Torque wrench (You can rent for a day from many auto-parts supply stores)
  • 9" extension bar
  • 1 1/8" 6 point deep socket - 1/2" drive.


Gotchas

Not all keel studs are created equal. Before purchasing a socket measure your longest keel bolt assembly from the bottom of the nut to the top of the stud. Some boats have short studs and others have much longer studs.

  • Sears
The "standard" deep socket from Sears is 3 1/4" tall. ($10.69)
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?keyword=1+1%2F8+inch+deep+socket&x=20&y=6
Measuring from the bottom of the nut to the top of the stud It will accomodate a height of approximately 2 1/2 inches.
  • Snap-on Tools ($60.67)
Their deep specialty socket is 5" tall
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=3599&group_ID=405&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
Measuring from the bottom of the nut to the top of the stud It will accomodate a height of approximately 4 1/4 inches.
  • Custom Socket ($25 - $35)
If your longest stud is taller than 4 1/4" there is an easy solution. Purchase the Sears deep socket and take it to a local welding shop and have them cut it in half and extend it to 5 1/2", or more using a piece of steel pipe. It works, and for about a third the price of a specialty socket.
5 1/4" Custom welded socket