Looking for advice, snowblower issue.

[zeus1gdsm]

My husky snowblower sheared a pin.

 

Typically no big deal.

 

But for some reason this one is fused in there good.

 

 

Initially tried just some pb blaster and a good punch.. well no dice.

 

After 24 hour soak with pb blaster and multiple applications I still couldn't get it out even using a sledge on the punch.

 

So I started drilling it out..

 

Well I got it 3/4 of the way drilled out. And I've been through 6 drill bits.

 

4 cobalt and 2 titanium dewalt bits.

 

Using low pressure and dishsoap to keep things cool and pull up chips.

 

Problem is the damn bits keep dulling.

 

For some reason I can't get through that last bit of the damn bolt/shear pin.

 

I do not have an impact driver just a normal cordless drill..

 

Could an impact drill or possibly a rotary hammer kit help me out here?

 

I find it ridiculous that bits advertised for hardened and stainless steel are dulling in less that 1/8th or so of drilling.

 

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[reeltime]

generally I have had to put heat to the shear bolt.  as its too late now but just for future reference do not use a punch as that may make the shear bolt end swell slightly when it puts the divit in the end of the bolt.  I use a junk bolt lust about the same size as the shear bolt or next size down to drive out the old bolt. 

with all that said though generally putting heat to the bolt frees it up enough to drive it out.

 

 

[sbuff]

Do you grease the auger every other year, that would explain why it's fused ,rusted in there 

[Steve D]

1 hour ago, sbuff said:

Do you grease the auger every other year, that would explain why it's fused ,rusted in there 

More than likely this....Heat with a propane torch & pound out with a drift pin smaller  then the hole diameter. When it is reassembled with the new pin grease the hell out of it. There should be grease fittings on the shaft. This is important or you will be replacing the gear box which is pretty expensive.

[Curmudgeon]

If you are trying to drill through steel that has sheared, even though it is low carbon, work hardening from the shearing can make it harder than the drill bit. Your bits aren't at fault.

[Just Lucky]

Keep drill bit lubed with oil and slow speed. High speed creates heat which dulls bits. And when starts to get dull take to grinder and resharpen. Also start with a smaller bit and work your way up to the size of the hole. Good luck and be patient. 

[Steve D]

I personally would not drill. If the hole is not aligned properly you will be drilling into the rake shaft which may explain the hard drilling since the shaft is hardened.

The hole has to be aligned to get the old pin out if is rusted or bent and to get the new one in.

This is on a Ariens but is the same principal on most.

 

Edited December 18, 2017 by Steve D

[zeus1gdsm]

No I didn't grease them this spring. Was on the list but got pushed aside.

 

Yes I did drill in steps to get up to the 1/4inch bit.

 

I've already drilled through 3/4 of the pin. Still try punching it out?

 

I've tried heating with a propane torch. No luck.

 

I'm headed to harbor freight today should I grab a heavy impact rotary? Or what about a hotter torch/welder to heat it.

 

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[Steve D]

6 hours ago, zeus1gdsm said:

I've already drilled through 3/4 of the pin. Still try punching it out?

 

I've tried heating with a propane torch. No luck.

As I said before I would punch it out. A propane torch should get it hot enough to come out. If you soak it in this for a 1/2 hr. or so, heat it, and can't punch it out something else is going on. A shear pin should not come out hard.

 

[Steve D]

Might also want to see if you can get the other one out, replace them both, and grease it.

[Arcade Hunter]

can you try to punch it out from the other direction?  At least enough to break it loose.  That may help.  I had one break years ago that was a true bastard to get out, like yours.  Just keep working it and it will come out.  Since then, I dont use shear bolts anymore.  I use a  stainless bolt with a nylon lock nut because when it breaks, it snaps off clean.  One hit with the punch and its out.  Propane heat will not hurt but it is not hot enough to really do a lot.  Direct the heat on the shaft, not the bolt because the shaft is what needs to expand to allow the pin to push through.

[Salmon_Run]

WD-40, a drift pin and hammer; just ensure that you are lined up and the auger didn't turn partially on the shaft and your pounding away and the other end of the sheared pin can't come out

[Just Lucky]

Heat will harden metal and make harder to drill. You already started drilling so i would keep going. Thrust is a good lube to keep on bit to keep cool. When it comes to drilling slow and patience are the 2 best things to have. I probably have more experience than most in doing these things. 

[zeus1gdsm]

Thank you for all the responses guys.

 

I got a corded impact drill and a huge high torque low speed rotary drill and New cobalt tip bits.

 

Still no luck or progress.

 

After sinking ten hours into this sob I just went out a bought a new blower.

 

I'm gonna keep the old one even though it's close to 12 years old.

 

It's a husqvarna deluxe model. I'll split it in two over the summer and pull the front end to redo the anger drive and put in a new shaft as well as tune up the engine.

 

Just don't have the space or the patience to do all that in the dead of winter.

 

Once summer comes I can move a lot of the kids stuff outside and have room for a large project like that.

 

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