DPA cut off bars Cancel The title field is required!

1. Dodson John

   
   12/13/2011 10:12 AM

   Checking to see if anyone has had any issues with the cut-off bar bolts snapping when trying to remove them in the new Toro DPA reels. Since the reel housing is made of a softer cast aluminum, when we try to drill out the broken bolt the drill bit ends up drilling into aluminum and jacking it all up.
   
   Thanks for any help!
   
   John
   Noble Hawk Golf Links

   
   
   
   
2. Dinger Greg

   
   12/13/2011 4:12 PM

   These castings are NOT threaded when new. Toro uses a self tapping bolt in them, and yes, I have snapped plenty. I am now in the habit of soaking them front and back prior to disassembly or adjustment. When I think about it, I'll take them apart, tap the holes, and reassemble with plenty of antisieze. For the broken bolts, sometimes they break off proud and you can grind them flat and center punch. I have also put a nut over the broken bolt, and spot weld it to the broken bolt. The heat will help you loosen it, and the weld wont penetrate the aluminum. I have had success with this, but not 100%. I have plenty of these units that are a bolt or two short.

   
   
   
   
3. Dodson John

   
   12/15/2011 12:12 PM

   Thanks for the help Greg. We have also used a couple of your techniques. Have found that when you can grind flat and center punch works the best when available.
   
   John