QUiCK FiX

DECEMBER 2021

By Tony Gray, Member #3905

Titbits - Something for the Workshop

In a previous article I spoke of the benefits of an impact driver in removing cantankerous screws which defy mere mortal force to remove. All previous owners of early Japanese Motorcycles are sure to have one in their kit. The impact driver is however a pretty heavy beast that is unsuitable for more delicate applications. One helpful tip is to use some valve grinding paste on the tip of the screwdriver to add some ‘bite’ and better grip into the screw head. Here is another tip that I have unashamedly ‘borrowed’ from a BMW Airhead site. This application is on the screws holding the cap on a Bing Carburettor but applicable to any situation where access is available. The C clamp is tightened enough to just hold the driver bit in place into the screw head. You then use a spanner on the hexagonal shaft of the driver bit to crack the screw from the housing then remove the screw in the conventional manner. This method prevents the screwdriver from sliding out of the slot under force and potentially damaging the screw head. I have tried it and it works.