What is the issue?
Carrying out maintenance in difficult areas is all too commonly encountered on a seagoing vessel. There is never the right tool, or if not the right reach for some tasks.Why address this?
A fastening in an area that is difficult to access can cause major delay and damage, if it is addressed by the wrong tools or in an inappropriate fashion.How to address this?
When an odd location that does not suit the established toolset is encountered, try to build a specifically tailored tool for the role.
Homemade keel bolt toolDrawing: Tony Gibson
Individual sockets are very cost effective to acquire and whole sets of tools can be bought second hand for very little. By welding them into long steel tubes and adding sturdy 'Tommy Bars' for leverage, tools dedicated to addressing awkward areas or stiff bolts, such as keel bolts above, may be easily fashioned.
Keep in mind building your own tools means that safety features and securities are not automatically built-in, so you should always factor in safety along the way.
With thanks to:
Michael Harpur, Yacht Obsession.
A photograph is worth a thousand words. We are always looking for bright sunny photographs that illustrate this experience. If you have some images that we could use please upload them here. All we need to know is how you would like to be credited for your work and a brief description of the image if it is not readily apparent. If you would like us to add a hyperlink from the image that goes back to your site please include the desired link and we will be delighted to that for you.
Add your review or comment:
Please log in to leave a review of this tip.
eOceanic makes no guarantee of the validity of this information, you must read our legal page. However, we ask you to help us increase accuracy. If you spot an inaccuracy or an omission on this page please contact us and we will be delighted to rectify it. Don't forget to help us by sharing your own experience.