[GoingConcer]

Bought a new-to-me skiff and trying to switch the push pole caddy to the other side of the platform. It’s the version without the quick release. I assume it was installed with loctite cause it is STUCK. Any ideas of how to loosen it up?

 

[Smackdaddy53]

Heat and penetrating lubricant. Do it a few times and then break it loose.

 

[jmrodandgun]

Red locktite can be broken cold but it's not recommended. You're going to need to heat up that bolt.

Be super careful if you use a burnzo.

 

[GoingConcer]

Man, this seems like it could go south real quick. I assume small torch on the bolt?

 

[GoingConcer]

Or do you think a lighter would do the job?

 

[Smackdaddy53]

Dude, a lighter is not enough heat and will leave soot on your platform. Go to Harbor Freight and buy the orange mini torch for about $5-7 or if that isn’t an option find one somewhere else. Use common sense when heating the bolt up so you don’t melt your starboard. Heat the bolt head up, spray penetrating lube on it and as the lube cools the bolt it will draw the lubricant in the threads. Repeat several times then try to loosen the bolt. Don’t get stupid with the torch and if the bolt won’t loosen don’t put all you have on it or you will break the bolt off and have a real problem.

 

[MariettaMike]

Any ideas of how to loosen it up?

Beat the head of the bolt with a hammer for about 5 minutes.

Do NOT heat with torch without evaluating if your Tibor has the Teflon washer in it, and if your anchor light wiring passes near the tab that your PP holder is attached.

 

[Smackdaddy53]

Beat the head of the bolt with a hammer for about 5 minutes.

Do NOT heat with torch without evaluating if your Tibor has the Teflon washer in it, and if your anchor light wiring passes near the tab that your PP holder is attached.

Aluminum dissipates heat very well, if it’s mounted on a tab I wouldn’t worry about melting wires in the pipe ring.
Dissimilar metals, stainless bolt in a machined aluminum base will corrode. When you go back in with the bolt use TefGel on the threads.

 

[GoingConcer]

Makes sense. Thanks for the help!

 

[IRLyRiser]

Hammer drill with a socket.

 

[taffrail]

I was in industrial maintenance for years. Heat usually works best provided it does not cause damage. If it were me I believe I would try a heat gun first, again if it won't cause damage. If you heat it and spray it with some kind of penetrating oil, that will cool it down. As it cools it draws the oil into the threads. It will take several times. I usually tap the bolt with a small hammer as well because the vibration also helps the oil get to where it needs to go.

 

[jmrodandgun]

I've had varying degrees of success holding a soldering iron on the bolt until my arm got tired.

If it were mine and I'd probably grab the base with a big pair of channel locks and put a bunch of torque on the bolt cold. If it snaps then at least you can put the base in a vise and get better heat on it.

 

[anytide]

ping it with a hammer squarely.
put a impact on it both ways to start with love ... ; then off.