Removing hex head bolt with minimal clearance

[nicowilson]

I'd like to remove the lock in a cabinet. The deadbolt is attached to one long edge of a u shaped bracket. The other long edge of the u shaped bracket has a number of short round bolts attached. As the key is rotated in the lock, the deadbolt moves in/out and these bolts move with the deadbolt.

The u shaped bracket is attached to the deadbolt with two bolts with hex heads. Unfortunately the allen keys that I have are too long to fit inside the bracket. I cannot remove the lock itself as there is no "wriggle room" as it sits direct on two bolts that are welded to the cabinet.

Here's a photo. All suggestions of how to remove the hex head bolts are welcome.

Thanks

 

[LeftHandGuy]

Cut down an allen key to fit. One of the best features of a cheap allen key is that it is all one consistent shank. Cut or grind until it fits.

 

[willie_gunn]

A hex bit set and a small ratchet?

 

[Bandit Country]

Or if neither of those two solutions appeals you might contact the makers and see if they have a small allen key of appropriate dimensions...? Locking Systems for Industry | Lowe Fletcher

 

[Klenchblaize]

A hex bit and an adjustable spanner if the rachet is too wide? Or as has also been suggested, cut down the allen key and use either a small ring spanner or that trusty mini adjustable to apply additional leverage.

K

 

[mealiejimmy]

A cut down allen key or a hex bit and a spanner that fits the hex (usually 1/4")

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

good allen keys have ball heads on one end for this reason

 

[Hornet 6]

Looking at that pic I fail to see why the short end of a standard Allen key doesn't fit ?

Neil.

 

[Klenchblaize]

good allen keys have ball heads on one end for this reason

They may be OK for a Blaser mount but I wouldn't go near one where any meaningful leverage is required.

K

 

[nicowilson]

Thanks all for the advice. There isn't sufficient clearance for a hex bit and a small ratchet. Cutting down an allen key with an angle grinder wasn't successful (don't ask!). A ball end key didn't work because the edge of the door got in the way.

I've invested in a set of stubby allen keys and these did the trick.

 

[rodp]

Thanks all for the advice. There isn't sufficient clearance for a hex bit and a small ratchet. Cutting down an allen key with an angle grinder wasn't successful (don't ask!). A ball end key didn't work because the edge of the door got in the way.

I've invested in a set of stubby allen keys and these did the trick.

At a guess you didn't put it in a vice to cut it down ??

 

[sikadog]

Just use a hex bit out of a screwdriver set and a spanner to fit (( I have this problem with chillers all the time )

 

[Klenchblaize]

Of course you could have clamped a pair of molegrips around them!

K

 

[JTO]

good allen keys have ball heads on one end for this reason

But they break off. I've got a wrecked set of Apel adjustable mounts with a ball head stuck in it.

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

But they break off. I've got a wrecked set of Apel adjustable mounts with a ball head stuck in it.

emphasis on "good" allen keys
I have used ball end allen keys to take off rotor tines on farm machinery,
plenty of surface to apply significant torque...as you found out

send me the mounts and I will get the broken end out for you

 

[LeftHandGuy]

send me the mounts and I will get the broken end out for you

That is a handsome offer!

 

[JTO]

send me the mounts and I will get the broken end out for you

If I can find your address, you can have the mounts.

 

[Hastings]

Just use a hex bit out of a screwdriver set and a spanner to fit (( I have this problem with chillers all the time )

This is what works for me.

 

[Klenchblaize]

emphasis on "good" allen keys
I have used ball end allen keys to take off rotor tines on farm machinery,
plenty of surface to apply significant torque...as you found out

Good or carp you cannot get away from the weak point:

K

 

[long_range_rob]

Just use a hex bit out of a screwdriver set and a spanner to fit (( I have this problem with chillers all the time )

Do this with a ratchet ring spanner and it should be a doddle.