Problems getting screws out of Hoyt cams.

[marty]

I've got a set of Hoyt Command plus Cams and the screws holding the modules to the cams are wedged in tight and I can't get them out. I tightened them with a hex wrench not all that tightly and I've bent a bunch of hex head wrenches trying to get them out to change the draw length.

Any hints on what I might do to get these screws out?

Thanks in advance.

[Marcus]

That's odd. If the head isn't damaged what about using a big pair of pliers to grip the hex wrench. Other than that I can't help, my wife won't let me have a tool kit. :(

[marty]

The wrench was completely twisted and bent. The head is still in good shape. The screw is just stuck. I've never had this happen before.

That's sad Marcus. I think I couldn't sleep at night if I didn't have a toolbox nearby. :lol:

[Marcus]

Yeah I know, but it's most likely for the best. Done enough damage to computer gear without tools to risk the house if I did.

Try something like WD-40 or other spray type lubricant in it. Something to get into the cracks a bit.

[marty]

Try something like WD-40 or other spray type lubricant in it. Something to get into the cracks a bit.

I'll give it a try before drilling out the screw. Or I could just buy another set of cams...

[Eberbachl]

Hey Marty,

Don't buy a new set of cams, or drill out the screw. In the absolute worst case scenario, you might have to soak the cams in wd-40 for a few hours, but this is a regular occurence with cheap allen keys. I'm not trying to upset you, but what type of allen keys are you using? I've seen this happen many times before, in fact I bent a whole stack of allen keys doing the same thing a few weeks ago because I didn't have my Chesco allen keys with me..... :cry: The allen keys you get with bows/sights etc are generally crap, and those snap-on (this is the only bad snap-on product I've ever seen) silver allen key sets (yes I have one too 'cause they are handy sizes) are crap also. Get some good Chesco allen keys or another good quality set, and they will not bend (you might snap :roll: them, but you wont bend them ha ha). Using good quality alen keys and a little suirt of WD-40 should fix your problem.

Cheers,

Luke.

[marty]

I should have put a smiley on buying another set of cams.

Yeah I know that the hex wrenches are cheap. I bent/twisted a small pile of them. The shop has a box of these things. As I was bending them I kept saying to myself, "I wonder how much a good set of these things costs?".

Thanks .

[ia bhtr]

Marty - just a thought , but when this has happened to me , I used a penetrating oil of one kind or another - let it set a little bit and then put the hex wrench in place and with a wooden mallet tapped the hex wrench , and then loosened the screw , when they were really stuck , I would have someone tap the hex wrench as i turned it - this has always pretty much done the trick for me >>----> hope it helps , ia bhtr

[marty]

I'll look into the penetrating oit before drilling the screw out. Thanks for the hint.

[OldDog]

Marty, I have seen this problem on several occasions, if all else fails stick an allen key in and apply a gas flame to the key, this will transfer heat to the bolt which ,when hot enough will break its grip, DO NOT APPLY FLAME DIRECTLY TO THE BOLT. once you have removed the bolt use your string wax on the thread, it lasts longer than most lubricants and will prevent the problem from reoccuring. Cheers

[Eberbachl]

Nice idea about the string wax, and flame Noel...sounds good - I'll remember that one :)

[Marcus]

Wouldn't heating the screw cause it to expand and grip tighter? :-? (this may be a dumb question)

[OldDog]

Because the cam is made of alloy it expands at a greater rate than the screw which in turn releases the screw. Sometimes the heat just burns the gunk that has locked it in the first place, either way I know from first hand experience that it works.