I recently purchased a Jet 6″ jointer. As part of the set up process, I’m adjusting the knives. One of the four bolts that hold the knife in the cutter head just won’t break loose. Yes, I am turning it the correct way. I’ve broke one wrench and bent another (craftsman). I’ve tried tapping on the wrench with a hammer. I’ve tried tightening the other three bolts back up to release the stress. No avail.
Anybody else out there have this problem? Any suggestions? Thanks.
Replies
Not long ago I had a similar problem - check out message 31356.1 for all the suggestions I received. I ended up cutting the bolt with a Dremel cutoff wheel - not ideal, but it worked. If this is a brand new jointer I'd fuss at the HD people and get a replacement head.
Tony,
I had the same problem with a brand new Jet 6" jointer in 1995. On my jointer it seems the bolts were a weird size, and all the commercially available wrenches were starting to round over the heads. So I bought a wrench one size smaller and filed the opening until I could tap it onto the bolt head. Then had to beat it with a hammer to loosen it. I did this with all the bolts and made Jet send me new ones. Get on the phone with them and complain, they have (in my experience) pretty good customer service and a willingness to help.
Good luck,
Lee
I made my own wrench to fit exactly as you described, and tried tapping on it with a hammer to break the bond. All it did was bend the jaws of the wrench to make it a sloppy fit.
I called Jet and they suggested using penetrating oil. He said if that doesn't work, then cut the heads off with a Dremel. He is sending me some replacement bolts. It sounds like they have good customer service.
Tony,
I can't understand for the life of me why they put those bolts on so tight. I can understand the need to set the machine up and test it at the factory, but I think it's overkill. Good luck.
Lee
If you can apply heat (propane torch) to the bolt head with out lighting anything else up, that bolt should break lose. Heat it up and let it cool, then try turning it.You are trying to expand the bolt, and then when it cools, it should turn.
You might also try some "freeze" spray I have seen this in gun smith catologs and machine shop supply places. This product might help break the bond and loosen the screw.
Good luck
Troy
I just purchased a Jet 6" jointer and the set screws were way tight and the provided allen wrenches are not the best. The fact that you are bending and breaking wrenches indicates that you have a tight fit between the wrench and screw. If you are turning the screws clockwise to remove, that is correct , as they are left hand threads. Try using an allen socket with a small breaker bar. Good luck!
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