Fortec Star Dish Bolts

pictureon · #1 (**permalink**) 09-10-2006, 11:27 PM

I have a situation today with fortec star dish that was off alignment. The bolts that go in the small squares and supposed to lock and not move (right side of the image) were moving and could not get them to stop. I could not remove the bolts so I can exchange them or even move the dish. I suggested a new dish to the customer but he did not like the idea. Any idea how to strain the bolt (flat head) so you can loosen the dish for alignment?
Thank you

Sadoun · #2 (**permalink**) 09-11-2006, 12:02 AM

Since the bolts seem to be stripped, I would suggest you buy two small C-clamps and clamp the bracket tight.

wejones · #3 (**permalink**) 09-11-2006, 06:35 AM

If the whole bolt is turning, then it sounds to me like the square holes on the bracket got rounded by the carriage bolts. (Seems more likely than the bolts getting stripped.) Or perhaps the wrong sized bolts were put in.
I would take a pair of vise grips and try to grab the round end of the bolt to keep it from turning while loosening the nut on the other end, then when you have the bolt off, if the square hole is rounded, perhaps you can replace the carriage bolt with a hex bolt and washer. Not a convenient since you'd need two wrenches to loosen or tighten, but the only other option is to replace the bracket.

rainman · #4 (**permalink**) 09-11-2006, 06:55 AM

if you can't clamp on to the bolt with vice grips try cutting a slot in the bolt head and hold it with a screwdriver.then as bill said just replaced with a hex head bolt.another thought you could use a small grinder and grind of the nut or the head to replace the bolt.

pictureon · #5 (**permalink**) 09-11-2006, 03:23 PM

Thank you all. Sadoun's trick worked fine. Square holes were Ok but the bolts were damaged. I replaced them both and it worked.

Sadoun · #6 (**permalink**) 09-11-2006, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wejones

I would take a pair of vise grips and try to grab the round end of the bolt to keep it from turning while loosening the nut on the other end, then when you have the bolt off, if the square hole is rounded, perhaps you can replace the carriage bolt with a hex bolt and washer.

This is also a good idea. I would recommend to every installer to have some extra Hex Head bolts and nuts in their toolbox. That way you can tackle such situations easily.