--I've got a situation with a small, maybe #10 or #8, stuck socket flat head machine screw in a really rotten location (upside down!) and no amount of persuasion with long handled hex key is working. I'm thinking what I need is something like an impact driver to free it up, but my standard H-F model is just too big of a brute to do the job: if I used it I'll destroy the thing the screw is holding. --Any ideas appreciated.. PS: it's on the bottom of the clutch engagement lever on the Myford lathe; the assy is painted and I *don't* want to torch it loose..

Has it been locked in with threadlocker? If so you will have to use heat. Else:First, good penetrating oil (I use Kroil) and time. Second, paint or no paint I suggest a really pointed butane flame like the ones you get from this: enough to burn paint, just enough so it starts smelling a little. Let it cool, more Kroil, more heat/cool as needed.I use a 3/8" air impact wrench driving Proto hex bits. But if you can't, then just make sure you are using a quality hex wrench, that it's fully seated, and apply your torque as strong as you dare and then hit it a little.You might try the correct hex bit driven by a hand socket wrench too, just for leverage.GWE

Miniature impact driver?

Dec 08, 2005 22 Replies

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Nick Müller 20 years ago

Valve grinding paste as a replacement?

Nick

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Mark Rand 20 years ago

You may well have to heat it up. I had a similar problem with the screw holding on the back gear cluster. It was held on by loctite. I broke allen keys until I managed to get a small torch on it. After that it undid easily.

Good luck

Mark Rand RTFM

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Martin H. Eastburn 20 years ago

There it is - simple source. Thanks - anti slip material.

- Don't know what the paste is made from - but I suspect it doesn't matter. Martin Martin Eastburn @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net NRA LOH, NRA Life NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder

Nick Müller wrote:

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