Undoing safety screw?

[BassTech]

We've had our oldest projector die recently -14 years old. We now have a replacement but the bracket in place is specifically designed for the old model. It also has a safety screw on it that we can't figure out how to undo, I've attached some photos of said bracket. We have the correct torx screwdriver & a new bracket but the screw will not budge!

 

 

 

Any ideas?

[hardtailstar]

looks like its been rounded off.

 

Drill it out and replace screw?

[Oaktech]

Ok, that's a unicol bracket it should be undone with a 3/16 unf allen key. I agree it doesn't look in good nick though, you might have to drill it out.

 

You can buy a new specific bracket for your new projector from Unicol

 

http://www.unicol.com/Home.aspx

[jmak]

There were a few model specific brackets when I started here. I replaced them with universal mounts (to go on the same pole). That way you're not in the same problem next time the projector fails....

[southhamster]

We've had the same problem on a few mounts.

Some are quite corroded (sweaty classrooms?)

We sometimes found a good quality mole grip can undo these if the Torx/Allen recess is rounded off.

Can you tighten it up slightly first to unstick it?

Also see if you can prise up the plastic collar and gently rock the fitting to free it up. Only if the fitting is really solidly mounted in the ceiling of course.

Maybe a drop of WD40 on the thread only if you can see it.

Good luck.

May the edugeek force (torque) be with you...

[DalekSec]

1 word, Hammer

[6Foot2]

...May the edugeek force (torque) be with you...

 

1 word, Hammer

[BassTech]

Yeah, it was me that rounded it trying to unscrew it, nearly broke my wrist in the process lol - So you guys reckon just a bit a brute force then? I'm only too happy to oblige

 

We did buy a universal bracket to replace it with, but it now seems that will not attach to the existing pole, even if we manage to get the old one off (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A4DKHYC/ref=twister_B00IKSDRJU?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) - can anyone recommend a bracket that will attach to the pole?

[Steve21]

Personally I use a dremel and make a new "flat" screwdriver cut across them if someones rounded it

 

Steve

[JATSO]

Yeah, it was me that rounded it trying to unscrew it, nearly broke my wrist in the process lol - So you guys reckon just a bit a brute force then? I'm only too happy to oblige

 

We did buy a universal bracket to replace it with, but it now seems that will not attach to the existing pole, even if we manage to get the old one off (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A4DKHYC/ref=twister_B00IKSDRJU?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) - can anyone recommend a bracket that will attach to the pole?

 

Go to AVpartsmaster get all my kit from them had to change loads of unicols in all my schools.

 

Your pole is probably 50mm in diameter and there are plenty for that although you might need to drill a new mount hole in the pole.

 

No big deal centre punch and then drill just make sure you lift the cables out of the way.

 

https://www.avpartsmaster.co.uk/c-85-universal-ceiling-mounts.aspx

Edited June 28, 2016 by JATSO

[Chris_Cook]

The quickest way is probably to un-thread the cable and fit a completely new bracket : SAHARA - 1150014 - PROJECTOR MOUNT, 1M CEILING KIT | CPC UK

 

I think that one has been over-tightened looking at the amount of thread that sticks out the back. If its damaged the thread then I don't think your going to get that out.

 

You could also try good old wd-40, or possibly a blow-lamp and get both ends of the bolt glowing red-hot. If you let the bolt cool as slowly as possible then it should soften the metal.

 

Another option could be to find an allen key or torx bit that is slightly too big and hammer it in. But I think the head of that bolt will just get more chewed up. It'll also damage the tool which will mean the next bolt will get chewed up as well.

 

If you go for the drill option, then drill out the back of the bolt rather than the head - otherwise you wont be able to grip onto it to undo the remains of the bolt. You need to use a center punch to stop the drill bit slipping sideways. The black collar would then need replacing as there wouldn't be any thread left to hold the new bolt. Its probably the threaded end of the bolt that is stopping this coming out, not the head.

 

And when you do the new bolts - hand tight only. You don't need to lean on them that much. Do them up till they stop turning easily, then about an 1/8 of a turn more at most. Any more than that, and they are more likely to fail, or be impossible to get out.

 

Youtube has various videos for stuck bolts.

[LeMarchand]

1 word, Hammer

 

You called?

 

[3s-gtech]

Ah lovely Unicol mounts. I chucked the lot out - insanely priced and custom designed for each projector? No thanks, especially when projectors last 5-6 years. They were replaced with decent universal mounts that cost less than the new custom heads.

 

A set of mole grips should turn that, or cutting a slot for a screwdriver/chisel.

[Foresthippy]

I'm sure I've seen a bolt in a projector bracket with a reverse thread. I could be completely imagining this though...

[Oaktech]

I'm sure I've seen a bolt in a projector bracket with a reverse thread. I could be completely imagining this though...

 

You have - some of the Sahara mounts had them. This is definitely not one of them though.

[BassTech]

Cheers for the feedback, I'll try and get back in there tomorrow and persuade it to come loose

[BassTech]

 

The force was strong this morning