Removing an outboard lock without a key

[Robmc]

New (to me) boat - need to take the OB off and it's secured with a lock over one of the nuts inside the rear locker.

No key, no access for drill or other "persuader" inside the locker so my thinking is to drill off the head of the bolt from the outside and knock the shaft through.

has anyone done this? any better ideas?

Thanks
Rob

[paintman]

Sounds like a plan to me.
Less chance of flying sparks damaging stuff which is the risk with an angle grinder.
Slow speed & plenty of lube to keep temperature down will help.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by paintman

Sounds like a plan to me.
Less chance of flying sparks damaging stuff which is the risk with an angle grinder.
Slow speed & plenty of lube to keep temperature down will help.

Not lube, coolant or cutting oil mixed with water.
Also if the bolt head is stainless steel then use the appropriate drill bit. You don't need to go as big as the bolt head just the diameter of the bolt shaft.

[Peter_C]

Picture of lock? I would probably cut a groove in the lock and crack it off with an air hammer. Or if aluminum just crack it off with the air hammer. I suppose an SDS hammer drill would work too.

[Wave Rider]

I covered the tubes, engine etc using thick dust sheets & used the 115mm angle grinder. Just go gentle & take your time.

[babbot1]

Search for a nut splitter tool. It basically cuts into the side of the nut by compression and the nut will break off. Obviously depends on the lock you have on the front of the nut because you have to slip the tool over the nut.

[beamishken]

Originally Posted by Wave Rider

I covered the tubes, engine etc using thick dust sheets & used the 115mm angle grinder. Just go gentle & take your time.

This would be my approach too!simple quick & effective with no special tools. [emoji106]

Sent from my SM-G950F using RIB Net mobile app

[Robmc]

Thanks for the replies - sorted. from the outside, drill head of nut 10mm drill bit down to base of engine mount; Angle grind the remaining head material off. knock off the washer and tap through.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Robmc

Thanks for the replies - sorted. from the outside, drill head of nut 10mm drill bit down to base of engine mount; Angle grind the remaining head material off. knock off the washer and tap through.