Shaft Insert Removal

ragbug74

ragbug74

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I've got a Viking cue that has a loose shaft insert. The cue has a quick-release style joint, but the insert seems to be a standard 5/16-18. The insert backs out about 1/16" of an inch from time to time, but when you screw the cue together, it tightens the insert back down. Any suggestions as to how I can remove the insert so I can re-epoxy it? It doesn't back out far enough to grab with a pair of pliers, so I just can't grab it and back it out that way. Is there some way to lock on to the insert with a maintenance pin to back it out? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
Put a soldering iron in it...that'll heat it up enough you may be able to remove it with your fingers. Or take it to a cue repairman & have it replaced professionally.
 
Insert removal

If the insert is backing out on it's own, you shouldn't have to heat it up. Obviously, the glue bond is already broken.

When the insert is backed out that 1/16" as you describle, try the following:

Thread a nut onto a 5/16-18 bolt. Screw the bolt into the insert. Holding the bolt, tighten the nut down onto the insert. This will "friction lock" the bolt in the insert. You should now be able to unscrew the insert by backing out the bolt.
 
Bill the Cat has the most likely solution....

Heating the insert enough to break the glue will most likely deteriorate the glue holding the collars as well. This is why I usually like to bore them out untill only the threads are left, then just peel the last little bit out. If you replace with one of the nice CNC inserts, you bore most of the threads back out anyway.
 
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It's easy to find a nut in the more common 5/16-18 threads, so the locking nut method is the one I use on those also. In some cases I have been able to reuse the old insert with a stronger glue, but I have also replaced them with self aligning inserts as well.

Greg
 
I used the nut method, too. I tried the heat method but I have on more than one occassion broken down more glue bond that I would like.:confused:

So, yes, I would recommend the nut/bolt method.

Richard
 
Use an Easy-Out

Bill the Cat said:
If the insert is backing out on it's own, you shouldn't have to heat it up. Obviously, the glue bond is already broken.

When the insert is backed out that 1/16" as you describle, try the following:

Thread a nut onto a 5/16-18 bolt. Screw the bolt into the insert. Holding the bolt, tighten the nut down onto the insert. This will "friction lock" the bolt in the insert. You should now be able to unscrew the insert by backing out the bolt.
Click to expand...

It would seem to me that it would be difficult to tighten up the nut if you cannot get a grip on the insert. I have had the same problem and I used an Easy-Out. Works every time and every Cuemaker should have one in his tool box.

Good Cuemaking
 
Thanks to all for the suggestions. While messing around trying to get the insert out, it worked it's way back in and now won't come loose. I gave it back to my buddy and told him to play with it until it works its way loose again. I'm going to try the pin/nut method as I'd like to re-use the same insert. I'd just replace it with a new one, but the one that I have from Atlas isn't the same exact size as the one in the shaft. The smooth portion of the pin, above the threads, seems to be a hair larger than the bore in the new insert I have.
 
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