NSW
44 posts
After all the positive talk about the Jackson Close fins I pulled the trigger and bought some.
Went to take the stock fins out and it seems the screws have been overtightened to the point that the fin key just spins and doesn't grip the screw.
Couple of questions for anyone that can help. Can you buy new screws for future fins? Also, any tips on getting the screws out without causing any damage?
Can't go back to the shop I bought the board from as it's too far away.
VIC
456 posts
Hopefully you haven't damaged the screw heads too much. If so I'm no help. However you may just need to get a new fin key. My last fanatic board (2013 model) had a minute difference between the size of the screws on the centre fin from the side fins. I had to use two different keys to get them out. The key that worked on the side fins would just spin around in the screw head of the centre fin, but trying another key that was minutely bigger worked perfectly on it. Good luck!
QLD
7303 posts
As MickMc said it's more than likely your fin key , FSC , Futures & Fanatic are all slightly different and Naish is alot different. So start with the right key or go and get a proper Allen ket set. If they are stuffed go and get an “Easy Out” from you local nut and bolt shop (or Super Cheap Auto) that will fix it and while you are there buy the replacement screws.
NSW
44 posts
Thanks for the replies. It's a fanatic board and I'm trying a futures key so that could be the problem. Will try a couple of others.
WA
149 posts
try size one up think its 1/4 in size usually works as fin keys are 1/8
873 posts
Some of the boxes coming out of China use Metric Allen keys, most boxes (original FCS) use Imperial Allen keys - I always make sure I have one of each in the car.....
NSW
164 posts
Hi Dash I've had the same issue with my Hobie. The solution that worked for me was to superglue the fin key into the screw. Once it set I could remove it no worries. Sure you sacrifice a screw and key but they can be replaced for bugger all.
Good luck.
WA
63 posts
Another suggestion for getting screws out......
use a flat elastic band, place it over the offending screw, jam the allen key/screw driver into the slot, then turn.
Has worked for me in the past and doesn't damage the screw or driver/key.
VIC
117 posts
I had a bugger of a screw to remove, but luckily there was no fin in and I ended up using an oversized drill bit which, after it finally caught, screwed right through and dropped it in the fin box. By the sound of it, your fin is still in place, which of course makes the job a lot harder. Also, as I learned the hard way, 'easy out' drill bits are great but very very fragile, especially when they get down to the size you need to get out a grub screw. If you go that route, be very patient and go slow with very mild pressure. It will take awhile, but should work well once drilled far enough in place. I tried the 'easy out' method with the already mentioned screw, and was drilling for ages and slowly but surely, added more and more pressure until the bit snapped off in the grub screw. That was when I used the oversized drill bit. I had also tried the glue method first off, but the screw was so stripped it didn't work.
let us know how you do eventually get it out.
QLD
622 posts
Try a few different fin keys firstly .
If no luck superglue a fin key into the screw hole and gently unscrew. Both ways have worked for me in the past.
Good luck
NSW
44 posts
All good, used a metric allen key and it worked a treat
5385 posts
Just check that there is no garbage (foam dust, sand, drop of resin) in the botttom of the grub screw hole. It happens quite often, ans then the key is not inserted properly and get damaged. I scrape the inside of my screws with a needle on all my new boards.
FCS and Future keys are made of a soft metal so that the key get damaged, not the screw, in case of problem. Just using a standard allen key will be enough to get the screw out.
