Can't open Inspection Port/Hatch

Paul Rose Design

New Member
Hi Folks

Just wondering whether anyone had any suggestions on how to open an inspection port which is on very tight? At first, I thought it was me being a weakling, however a few friends have also tried, and the hatch covers are stuck tight. Is there a tool that anyone can recommend to open these things? ... they're not the easiest thing to get a grip on with your hands/fingers.

Many thanks in advance guys.

PS. This my first post, so apologies if I've submitted in the wrong place etc.
 
Use the handles of a pair of pliers in the part where your fingers and thumb go... then use each hand on each handle of the pliers.
If you still can't do it that way then use an adjustable spanner on the pliers for more purchase.
But you should be able to do it with just the pliers.
 
Oh this happened to happen to me just a couple days ago! What I did is I got a leftover piece of dowel rod (it wasn't one of those wimpy ones; it was about the size of a quarter in diameter) that was about a foot long and a rubber mallet. I put the end of the dowel rod in one of the grooves that you would normally use to open the inspection port with and then I started hitting it with the mallet. After a couple good whacks, the inspection port loosened and I was able to open it : ) hope this helped
 
Once you get it out,remove the oring, clean threads on both parts with a toothbrust and detergent. Use some silicone on the threads when reassembling.
 
Once you get it out,remove the oring, clean threads on both parts with a toothbrust and detergent. Use some silicone on the threads when reassembling.
PAXFISH is correct rgarding the cleaning, but do not confuse silicone lubricant with silicone sealant. The latter sould NOT be used for this application. My friends and I have had the best success with petroleum jelly on the O-ring and threads. It repels water, keeps the O-ring from drying out, and the cover will easily spin on and off.
 
Hi all

Just to let you all know, we managed to open the inspection ports with a tool my friend Ivan made. I've posted pictures here to show you. He proudly calls it a 'Highland Spanner' (due to his nation of birth!), or put more bluntly a 'Inspection Port Wrench'. Thanks for all the tips though... great to part of such a useful forum.

Upon opening up my leaking laser, it became apparent she's suffering from the same problems as those solved on this thread.
IMAG0054.jpg
IMAG0053.jpg
 
We need a like button on this forum! That would save me many a skinned knuckle getting stuck hatches off.....

Edit: Just realised we do have one...my eyes are not yet functioning fully this morning ;)
 
PAXFISH is correct rgarding the cleaning, but do not confuse silicone lubricant with silicone sealant. The latter sould NOT be used for this application. My friends and I have had the best success with petroleum jelly on the O-ring and threads. It repels water, keeps the O-ring from drying out, and the cover will easily spin on and off.

Yes - silicone grease or spray, not sealant!

I would not use Petroleum jelly, it tends to break down rubber and plastic over time. If your O-ring is neoprene, it is more resistant, but are you sure?
 
I would not use Petroleum jelly, it tends to break down rubber and plastic over time. If your O-ring is neoprene, it is more resistant, but are you sure?
You are correct that petroleum jelly should not be used with neoprene. However, most O-rings are made of Viton, Buna-N, or a variant under a commercial trademark name. Considering how many I have gooped up over the years and not seen them "melt" (which would be the normal reaction) I would say that the risk is quite low if you use vasolene. Regarding the plastic, most ports are made from ABS and to my knowledge petroleum will not harm it. Next time I am messing with my boat, I will put a few drops of gasoline on one of my covers and report back.

Regarding the wicked cool "Unscrew-O-Matic" inspection port cover removal tool, I suggest you wrap some electrical tape around the bolts so the knurling on them will not damage the surface of the port cover.
 
If your O-ring is neoprene, it is more resistant, but are you sure?
Neoprene will "melt" when it comes in contact with most petroleum based liquids. As I mentioned before, the vast majority of industrial O-rings are made from Viton, which is unaffected by petroleum based fluids. This is why you see them in automoitive fuel and oiling systems. I put three ABS ports (purchased from Annapolis Performance) in my first Laser 5 years ago, and use Vasolene on the O-rings. No problems. HTH.
 
This is a bit of one eighth inch alloy plate left over from another project. The two bolts and nuts are three eighth inch, and must spin freely under pressure to avoid point loading. The angle is offset, because the location of the inspection port would not permit a straight line spanner. You may tell your mates that this is actually a slight modification of a Bat'leth, an edged weapon very popular in the Klingon culture.
 

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