1960 Grab Bar

[Dave S.]

Good morning
Could someone help, we are trying to remove it to recover, seems to have odd ball srews. What would you suggest. Thanking youin advance Dave 03730

[Mike M.]

Re: 1960 Grab Bar

i seem to recall the fastners are clutch head screws. Sears sells clutch head screwdrivers. snap-on has clutch head sockets with 3/8" drive. they're much shorter when afixed to a ratchet than the clutch head screwdrivers and as i recall, the clutch head screwdrivers are too long to get at your clutch head screws. mike

[Lynn H.]

Re: 1960 Grab Bar

I have a set of what I believe was referred to as "security bits", that includes a number of different types of bits including the "clutch head" in different sizes. These are bits just like you would use in your cordless or a screwdriver with the magnetic end for interchangeable bits. I think I purchased this set of bits at what was then Murray's (now O'Reillys in my area) for $5 for the whole set of 20 or so bits. I also have a small unique "snap on" ratchet, that has a female hex instead of the 1/4" square on a normal ratchet. This is a very handy tool for getting into small spaces where you need these types of bits. I am not sure if anyone else besides snap on makes one of these, but I would assume so. Snap-on tools can be rather pricey compared to others.
Lynn

[Gary B.]

Re: 1960 Grab Bar

If you only want the one clutch head driver to remove / insert those screws you can grind down two sides of a bolt to fit. Now you can use your socket set or wrench.

[Dave S.]

Re: 1960 Grab Bar

Thank you all, will try grinding a bolt.
Dave

[Loren L.]

Re: 1960 Grab Bar

Unless you feel that they may be rusted - ie, we're going to ruin the screw and not get it out - you should be able to find a wide-bladed regular screwdriver that will catch the edge of the clutchhead and turn it out. Maybe a little Liquid Wrench/or the like before trying....

[Stewart A.]

Re: 1960 Grab Bar

Good thinking Gary I never thought of grinding a bolt down to fit a clutch head. I'm glad I read your reply !! Stewy

[Gary B.]

Re: 1960 Grab Bar

Good thinking Gary I never thought of grinding a bolt down to fit a clutch head. I'm glad I read your reply !! Stewy

When I restored my `62 I ended up making a couple of different sizes. Worked well.

[Stewart A.]

Re: 1960 Grab Bar

Gary it's the little things like making a simple tool that can make a job so much easier. The story of my life is I never seem to have the correct tools and it can make life hell without them. Stewy

[Richard M.]

Re: 1960 Grab Bar

I got a set of clutch head bits on ebay. Use in my cordless drill and 1/4 drive sockets. Search "clutch head" there and you'll see them. Be cautious about the full screwdriver sets. RV and Camper manufacturers used clutch head hardware also, but are slightly different sizes. I bought a set of 3 drivers and they don't work on my 59 hardware, just more toolbox jewelry.
Rich

[Stewart A.]

Re: 1960 Grab Bar

I bought a set about a year ago and they are pretty useless. They are way to long ? But they do fit the heads quiet well. Stewy

[Richard M.]

Re: 1960 Grab Bar

Stewy, True. Only made for a drill chuck. Try what I did.

I cut them in half with a hacksaw so I could use them in my screwdriver that has a magnetic 1/4" bit holder. Works great. Still works in the cordless too.

Rich