I've seen forum comments about the exasperating challenge of installing Bendix cover screws, especially that first one beside the hogshead.
A piece of wire wrapped around the screw to make a holder alleviates the agony.
It doesn't exactly make the job a cakewalk into town, but it helps considerably. It's also helpful to have screwdrivers of several different lengths and sizes.
I use one of there screw holding screw drivers when I get in a tight spot:
The ones I have are Craftsmen but don't if they still sell them.
Jim
So Steve, do you leave the wire hanging down after the bendix cover is on or pull the wire off before you tighten it? I might consider an allen head metric screw for that area as it will be easier to keep on the driver and I believe the threads are close enough to work. I've got to pull my starter and put a seal in it to stop an aggravating oil leak there. Maybe today if the hospital leaves me alone! I love your posts, Steve.
Noel
Yep, just pull the wire out and then tighten. The Allen screws might work, but I try to stay mostly stock.
The problem I've always had with grabby screwdrivers is that the claws get bent and don't grab. I once tried bending one back in shape, and only succeeded in breaking it. I can make a lot of wire screw holders for the price of a new screwdriver.
What about a magnetised(sp) screw driver
Steve,you are about two hours late for me. But believe it or not, I did the same thing this morning.
I use an electricians' screwdriver. Excellent for delicate work in tight places.
Move the slide on the handle for tightening the grip on the screw's head or positive release.
They're easy to find at places like Harbor Freight, hardware stores, etc.
Noel; Someone put allen head on mine and the head is considerably smaller than the straight slot screw so they put washers under them and then the allen head screws backed out...oil everywhere not fun I put the original screws back in (with loctite)
I've been using one of these little devils http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-8-in-screw-starter/p-00941024000P?prdNo=1&block No=1&blockType=G1 for over 40 years. Great for starting screws where you don't have good access. Just finish up with a screwdriver of your choice.
Bob C's electricians screw driver is the way to go
for hard to reach screws.
When using one I also get a small dab of thick grease to put on it and the press the handle down to grip the screw.
The grease is an extra help. And it does work.
Run the blade across a magnet to help hold the screw.
The screw next to the hogs head: I don't remove it. I back it out enough that the bendix cover will slip out from under it with the other three removed.
Steve, it's looking like the touring is weeks if not days from being back on the road, congratulations!
Glad the band replacement finally worked out.
I just tape the screw to the screwdriver head with some masking tape. I will hold for as long as you need and then pulls right off. Works for me.
Mike
Mister Thrifty loves the masking tape idea!
Masking tape, or electrical tape works great if you don't have the expensive starting screwdrivers or are on the side of the road.
Steve, I do a variation on the wire theme to hold the nut next to the hogshead on the starter side when installing the side pan mounting bolt. Holding a nut requires a bit more ingenuity.
Cheers,
Allan from down under.
I use the screwdrivers like the ones that Jim T. posted, and haven't had any problem with them at all. Steve, if you are bending the "claws", you ain't doing something right!<g> By the way, I bought my screwdriver at a fleamarket for a dollar. Dave
I do what Tim does.I have a magnet from a large radio speaker.Just rub the screwdriver across a few to magnetize it. It works well
William Vanderburg hit it on the head, then use the electricians screw driver above for the rest, and then a regular long reach screwdriver for the rest.
Yes, the Ford book says leave it in too. That's why there's a slot in the cover. But as long as I was painting the cover I figured I might as well also do the screws.
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