locking nut on alpha 1 outdrive & no Key

[natwales]

I just bought the boat this past spring. One of the six bolts that fastens the outdrive (1988 alpha 1) has a locking nut on it - I assume to prevent theft. Problem is, is that I never got that key, and the previous owner (2nd owner) never removed the drive nor had the original key. Assuming I cannot track down the original key - what do I do?<br /><br />Chiseling it off will be near impossible as it is stainless steel. How many different combination keys are there, and is there a way to get a new one?<br /><br />I can't be the first one with this problem. Does anyone have any bright ideas?<br /><br />thanks<br /><br />nat

 

[Don S]

Re: locking nut on alpha 1 outdrive & no Key

Die grinder with a blade and carefully cut it off. Even when you damage the stud, it can be replaced.<br />Have you tried to contact the previous owner?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: locking nut on alpha 1 outdrive & no Key

What Don S. said, or grind/cut two sides flat enough to get vice grips(flat Jaw) (and pipe for leverage) on it.....JK

 

[rodbolt]

Re: locking nut on alpha 1 outdrive & no Key

take it by a welding shop. have them tig it together then tig a socket on it, preferably 1/2" drive and remove it. takes 5 min to do and most muffler shops have the small buzz boxes that can do it rapidly with minimal setup time. then all you will need is a new lock nut and possibly a washer.

 

[elpaso]

Re: locking nut on alpha 1 outdrive & no Key

A Dremal tool with a cut off blade<br />will work. Cut 2 places close to stud<br />and split with chisel. You may go through<br />3-4 blades, but they are cheap.<br />Take your time, you will not damage stud.

 

[natwales]

Re: locking nut on alpha 1 outdrive & no Key

Thank for the advice.<br /><br />Have any of you ever used the Gator Grip?<br /><br /> http://www.seenontv.com/prod-pages/gatorgrip.html <br /><br />I am not sure if the pins are small enough to fit into the negative spaces of the lock nut, but I will give it a try before I try to cut and chisel.

 

[Don S]

Re: locking nut on alpha 1 outdrive & no Key

That gatorgrip is way to big to get around the nuts holding on an outdrive. If it would work, just putting a wrench on the nut would work. Those locks usually have an outer cover that slips when trying to remove it, that is why you have to have a key, not a wrench, or visegrips, or gatorgrips, or sockets, etc.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: locking nut on alpha 1 outdrive & no Key

I love a dremmel for stuff like this.Cut as far through w/o getting to the stud on 2 sides and you should be able to split it using a large screwdriver or chisel.Charlie

 

[skicat]

Re: locking nut on alpha 1 outdrive & no Key

Another option is to contact the manufacturer of the lock. I purchased a boat with a prop lock and no socket to remove it. I called the lock maker. They instructed me to take a digital picture, send it to them, and they would send me the proper socket to remove it.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: locking nut on alpha 1 outdrive & no Key

I'd cut it off,but you might run it by a tire dealer and see if he has the tool.Wheel locks are similar.<br /><br />DHP

 

[rodbolt]

Re: locking nut on alpha 1 outdrive & no Key

im telling ya the fastest and eaisest way is to tig the outer slipring to the center part of the lock. then tig a junk socket to the lock and just unscrew it. its a method we have used for years on prop locks,drive locks and mag wheel locks and the occasional hub cap lock. takes less than 10 min does no damage and is safe.<br /> if you have plenty of spare time cutting it off may be ok. at 75 dollars an hour and a 6 week backlog I dont have the time and my customers dont have the money.<br /> them little wire feed buzz boxes are wonderful