The Ford Barn

russcc · 01-27-2019, 10:05 AM

A woodruff key partially sheared off in a shaft on the lathe. Tried tapping it out, and heat, no go. Any ideas ? Thank you Fordbarners.

51 MERC-CT · 01-27-2019, 10:48 AM

If it is truly a Woodruff key then hitting it on either end toward the center of the shaft should rotate it out.
As in this Vid.----
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJoXfIPQQtE

19Fordy · 01-27-2019, 10:55 AM

A photo is worth a 1000 woodruff keys. If there is sufficient room to work with a Dremel tool, cut the key out with a small Dremel cut off wheel being careful to not go oversize.
Constantly test fit with another replacement key.

However, the first thing you should do is consult with Mr. Google.
https://www.google.com/search?q=ho+t...hrome&ie=UTF-8

rotorwrench · 01-27-2019, 11:01 AM

You may have luck with a properly sized cape chisel. Get one that is more narrow than the width of the woodruff key or grind one to the proper width and start working it at one end or the other to make a divot for other punches to seat on if the chisel doesn't get it to move. Flat keys on a straight or tapered shaft have to slide out but a round bottom woodruff key has to rotate out. When it moves, it should come out. If that doesn't work then a dremel or other rotary grinder type tool may have to be used to grind it thin & peel it out.

big job · 01-27-2019, 11:05 AM

Be patient it didn't grow in there

Kurt in NJ · 01-27-2019, 12:57 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I used autobody dent puller pin welder, then slidehammer

cobbie · 01-27-2019, 01:09 PM

I agree with 51 MERC-CT . Just be careful and take your time.

russcc · 01-28-2019, 01:31 PM

Thank you. As always, be patient, I didn't grow there, and be careful with the Dremel tool with the cutoff wheel. Got it.

Tim Ayers · 01-28-2019, 02:59 PM

A little heat should help

Bubsyouruncle · 01-30-2019, 10:13 PM

Do not use a grinder!
Any tapping or pounding processes will not harm the surfaces.
grinding will!
be patient.
you will sucked.

01-27-2019, 10:05 AM	#1
russcc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,871	Help removing a stuck woodruff key. A woodruff key partially sheared off in a shaft on the lathe. Tried tapping it out, and heat, no go. Any ideas ? Thank you Fordbarners.

01-27-2019, 10:48 AM	#2
51 MERC-CT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Hartford, Ct Posts: 5,898	Re: Help removing a stuck woodruff key. If it is truly a Woodruff key then hitting it on either end toward the center of the shaft should rotate it out. As in this Vid.---- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJoXfIPQQtE __________________ DON'T RECALL DOING SOMETHING FOR MYSELF BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIKES OR DISLIKES Last edited by 51 MERC-CT; 01-27-2019 at 11:31 AM.

01-27-2019, 10:55 AM	#3
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,921	Re: Help removing a stuck woodruff key. A photo is worth a 1000 woodruff keys. If there is sufficient room to work with a Dremel tool, cut the key out with a small Dremel cut off wheel being careful to not go oversize. Constantly test fit with another replacement key. However, the first thing you should do is consult with Mr. Google. https://www.google.com/search?q=ho+t...hrome&ie=UTF-8

01-27-2019, 11:01 AM	#4
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,422	Re: Help removing a stuck woodruff key. You may have luck with a properly sized cape chisel. Get one that is more narrow than the width of the woodruff key or grind one to the proper width and start working it at one end or the other to make a divot for other punches to seat on if the chisel doesn't get it to move. Flat keys on a straight or tapered shaft have to slide out but a round bottom woodruff key has to rotate out. When it moves, it should come out. If that doesn't work then a dremel or other rotary grinder type tool may have to be used to grind it thin & peel it out.

01-27-2019, 11:05 AM	#5
big job Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dighton, Mass Posts: 1,230	Re: Help removing a stuck woodruff key. Be patient it didn't grow in there

01-27-2019, 12:57 PM	#6
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,156	Re: Help removing a stuck woodruff key. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I used autobody dent puller pin welder, then slidehammer

01-27-2019, 01:09 PM	#7
cobbie Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bend, OR Posts: 82	Re: Help removing a stuck woodruff key. I agree with 51 MERC-CT . Just be careful and take your time.

01-28-2019, 01:31 PM	#8
russcc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,871	Re: Help removing a stuck woodruff key. Thank you. As always, be patient, I didn't grow there, and be careful with the Dremel tool with the cutoff wheel. Got it.

01-28-2019, 02:59 PM	#9
Tim Ayers Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 6,177	Re: Help removing a stuck woodruff key. A little heat should help

01-30-2019, 10:13 PM	#10
Bubsyouruncle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Gurnee, Illinois Posts: 270	Re: Help removing a stuck woodruff key. Do not use a grinder! Any tapping or pounding processes will not harm the surfaces. grinding will! be patient. you will sucked.