Thread: Trolling motor bracket

Put a picture of it on here. We will be able to give you better ideas then.

Not sure how yours is set up but it's probable a steel bolt in an aluminum bracket. The aluminum has probable corroded and seized it up. If it's in a place that you can heat the aluminum a little to help loosen the corrosion that might help. Caution aluminum melts at a low temp so don't over do it. Worst case you could break off the bolt, drill it out and re-tap to a larger size if needed. All is not loss. Either way you get it off, apply never seize of some sort when you put it back together.
"gene"

You're probably right about the corrosion, I'll look to see if I can apply some heat to it without damaging anything. Thanks for the tip, I'll get some pics of it if I'm still unable to break it loose.

Even if you get it to back out, the threads in the aluminum might need to be re-threaded. You can always go to a larger size.
"gene"

I agree with dpisani, post a picture. A lot of people (myself) can't function well without seeing it.

Here's a few pics, I did get it to turn a little, but i think the plastic knob could be turning on the bolt.

I don't think the plastic is going to hold up and the best way is going to get to the bolt itself....looooooonger wrench...leverage......bolt might break too....then it would have to be drilled out....can the whole bracket be replaced? that way the bolt fits the bracket without any ingenuity.....

First of all, since it's corroded in place it must not have been moved in a long long time. So why move it now. But if you absolutely need to here is what I'd do. I'd warm it then twist the knob until something gives. If the bolt unscrews you're done. If the plastic handle twist off or break get rid of all the plastic and then grab the metal head of the bolt that was in the plastic with a large and strong pair of vise grips. Warm it again and try to unscrew it. If you twist it off, depending where it breaks you might be able to open the clamp. If not, slide a hacksaw in the space between the clamp parts and saw the bolt, it's alright if you cut some of the clamp if it is tight for the saw blade. Once you have it opened and apart, file or grind the bolt flush with the aluminum clamp. Now you are ready to drill it out. Be sure to center punch it dead center. If possible use a drill press and sharp bit but even if you have to use a hand drill be sure you have a new or sharp drill bit. A dull one will walk to the side. Drill it out to the inside diameter of the threaded hole not the size of the bolt. It's probably a 3/8" bolt and if so you will need a 5/16 drill bit. After drilling all that should remain is the threads of the bolt in the threads of the clamp. Use a sharp object like an ice pic or something similar to remove the bolt thread from within the clamp thread. After that, run a tap through it to clean it out. If you bungle the job, drill it out to 7/16" and tap it to 1/2" inch. You will also have to drill out the other half of the clamp to 9/16". It should be a breeze for anyone with drill press, by hand a lot harder. I wish you were near as we'd have that thing going in no time.
"gene"