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How to loosen glass pool fence spigot?

Hi there,

I found one of my pool glass panels leaning forward the other day and discovered the reason is that the pieces of timber beneath the decking that were used to brace / support the spigots have rotted through. Replacing these timber pieces with H3 timber (and retreating the cut ends) is not really a problem for me, but ...

... just one of the tiny bolts on one of the spigots for clamping the glass seems to be damaged and the more I've tried loosening it with an Allen key, the more I seem to have damaged it. I've also WD40'd the hell out of it. Unfortunately I have to remove the glass to get at the screws that attach the spigots to the decking. So, the only thing I can think of now is to use an extraction bit and try to force out the offending hardware. This makes me nervous though in case it fails, hence the small bolt thingy will be destroyed and I'll be then left without an option. Would anyone have any alternative suggestions as a solution? I've attached a photo for demonstration. Thank you in advance.

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Comments

Noyade

Afternoon @tod

I Googled stripped allen heads - and this gent assures viewers a 'tapered' Torx head is the way to go.

Can't say I've seen a tapered variety of Torx head. It might be worth trying with the plain heads and see if there is a perfect tight fit?

Look forward to seeing if you have any success with this.

Maybe? Maybe?

MitchellMc

Hi @tod,

If the allen key head is stripped, then it's already destroyed. I'd suggest you move on to screw/bolt extraction methods, like using a screw extractor. Failing those working in the stripped allen key head, you'll have to drill out the bolt and try them again.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

tod

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24605#Comment_24605

Thanks Noyade, that's really interesting - I actually have a few tapered Torx heads at home (Torx screws being my favourite type, just wish they were more plentiful) and will give that a go a little later. I'll let you know how I get on.

tod

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24606#Comment_24606

Thanks @MitchellMc. I'll have a go first with Noyade's suggestion and see if that works.

tod

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74951#Comment_74951

@Noyade, can't thank you enough - it worked! I used a Torx head T27 with a manual ratchet driver and it worked like a breeze. Thanks again.

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101148#Comment_101148

Evening @tod

I'm glad it worked but at the same time I'm surprised it did work. I've never tried it - I've always gone down the track that if the metric hex is slipping, I'll try a closer fitting imperial hex. Live and learn. 👍

Interesting though - and slightly related - I did buy an American socket set (32 sockets) that bragged it would fit 217 variously shaped screw/bolt heads based on the internal ribbing. I was dubious, but they do work well. I guess in a way, Torex works - cause the ribbing is sorta on the outside?

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117491#Comment_117491

Nice job @Noyade @tod @MitchellMc

tod

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117491#Comment_117491

@Noyade I think the slightly tapered shape of the Torx head, its ribbing on the outside and all the WD40 I used - these things combined probably came into play. Apart from resorting to an extraction bit, I wouldn't have managed without the Torx head. Now I need to find an allen bolt replacement - Bunnings?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126968#Comment_126968

Hi @tod,

I'd suggest taking the bolt to your nearest Bunnings store and a helpful team member will assist you with finding a matching replacement.

Mitchell

tod

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133254#Comment_133254

Thanks @MitchellMc

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137135#Comment_137135

Hey @tod

May I humbly suggest - something without a hex head. 😊

I'm assuming (just going by your photo) the whole fitting and bolts are marine stainless steel?

tod

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139806#Comment_139806

Hi @Noyade

There are 14 spigots in total and far as I can tell they're all marine stainless steel, including the hex screws. I've replaced the offending hex with a non-stainless steel one, which is temporary until I can get my hands on a stainless steel one. I'm no expert, but I think the spigots are always clamped with hex screws so it mightn't be an option for me to change that. Anyway, a whole new problem evolved from the job - as we were putting the panel back into position, it tapped the edge of the neighbouring panel and the unthinkable happened; the neighbouring panel exploded into a trillion little pieces, several of which ended up embeded in my legs and feet (having my doctor look at one of the cuts today). So it's been an eventful few days! My new job now is to source a new panel. 😒

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141647#Comment_141647

Hi @tod,

So sorry to hear about your injury. I hope you are OK and getting the support and assistance you need. Please let us know if we can do anything to assist.

If you can take some measurements for me, I'd be happy to help locate a replacement panel for you.

For our community members reading this discussion, it is an important reminder that glass pool panels are fragile and can break easily. When dealing with them, it's best to wear safety glasses, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and pants, and enclosed footwear. These measures will help prevent injuries by minimising skin exposure if an accident is to occur.

Mitchell

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143035#Comment_143035

Hi Tod @tod

"Anyway, a whole new problem evolved from the job"

Yes, been there. I hope no permanent damage to yourself and a quick recovery. 🤞

Cheers

Graeme.

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