Removing Stern Cleats

PleasureBay · Post by **PleasureBay** » Sat May 19, 2018 1:05 pm

I just removed the cockpit side and stern panels and had a terrible time removing the cleats. Mine are bolted through a teak box that is glassed to the transom. The 5/16" flathead bolts go into an aluminum plate screwed to the inside of the teak box. One bolt would not come out and had to be cut off. Now I have to drill out the cut off bolt unless someone has a better suggestion.

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Mon May 21, 2018 3:52 am

Now that it's already cut, not much choice but to drill & tap. I would have tried a vinegar soaking & a little heat before I cut it. Tef-Gel the bolts before you put it back together for sure.

Post by **dougl33** » Mon May 21, 2018 9:15 am

Most people have had the opposite problem. I.E. the cleat pops off all by itself in an inopportune moment!