Allen Wrenches

[BluebirdTug]

On our new R-25SC, I tried to replace some molding that was loose. The screws are set for allen wrenches. I have about 30 different sizes but couldn't match--either too big or too small. It's a long shot, but do any of you know the correct size allen wrench? If not, I will take the closest fit to a store and buy its companions.

Pete Wellington
Bluebird R-25SC

 

[PhilR]

Pete,
I think that you will find that your screws are not Allen, but square drive. Your local hardware will have a selection of bits.
Phil

 

[dencarst]

Sometime time the use Torx wrenches very simular to the Allen wrenches.

Dennis
Tug of my Heart 11

 

[Irish Mist]

In Canada we use those all the time and I was surprised to see them on the Ranger What you are looking for is a Robertson screwdriver or bit They come in 5 sizes orange yellow , green, red and black The red is by far the most popular You may not find the colored screwdrivers but you will find the bits and they are numbered 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, you will need the red or #2 bit and possibly the green or #1 bit.. Used to be never avalible in th US but in the last few years they are becoming more avalible.... Hope this helps Make sure you get the correct bit that fits snugly so you don't strip the screw
Good luck 🙂

 

[aginglawyer]

The Robertson screws are wonderful. Henry Ford tried to buy the patent but it was felt by him to be too expensive. And that is why the US uses the inferior Phillips screw Just a bit of trivia.

 

[walldog]

In Canada we use those all the time and I was surprised to see them on the Ranger What you are looking for is a Robertson screwdriver or bit They come in 5 sizes orange yellow , green, red and black The red is by far the most popular You may not find the colored screwdrivers but you will find the bits and they are numbered 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, you will need the red or #2 bit and possibly the green or #1 bit.. Used to be never avalible in th US but in the last few years they are becoming more avalible.... Hope this helps Make sure you get the correct bit that fits snugly so you don't strip the screw
Good luck 🙂

Thanks for the information. Nice to know the proper term for the square drive screws that are so much a part of our Ranger Tugs. I do not believe we have any #oo or #o sizes, but we do have many #1 Green, #2 Red, and #3 Black. At least a manual driver and one each of the bits are necessary addition to any of our tool boxes.

Allen, what a nice bit of Trivia! I am glad to know who to blame for those pesky Phillip screws, Henry Ford.

 

[walldog]

Neat old AD from Wikipedia:

 

[LADYBUG TOO]

Around here they call them "Hatteras screws" because we are on the Redneck Riviera and we don't much appreciate change. Especially when its from them rich folks at Hatteras. Ranger uses three sizes, normally a #2 but there are two smaller ones on my R-29.

We are not really that bad but we do like our fun, we even have a mullet toss.

Pat, Ladybug, Too

 

[baz]

Pete: Ask Andrew to send you his all-in-one screw driver... see my mention of this below... 🙂

When I received our R25 in July 2009 we were given a toolkit by Ranger Tugs. This toolkit contained a multi-head/bit screw driver. Andrew told me that this screwdriver and its included bits would allow me to engage any screw found in the boat, many of them being square hole driven. I've used it many times and confirm what Andrew told me. It never ever leaves the boat. :lol:

If anyone is familiar with outdoor decking you will note that many of the screws used today are either square hole driven or Torx hole driven. Things are a-changing. 😉

The worst screw head I have encountered is the irreversible screw head. It can be driven in but cannot be un-driven (taken out/off). It's a security issue and this type screw is used for securing locks. The only way to remove this type screw is to drill the darn thing out -- and that in itself is a PITA if the screw is hardened steel which most are.

 

[RProffer]

I love square bits. My R21EC uses three sizes of square bits and are available at most hardware stores. I recommend getting not only the short bits, but also the long bits. I have needed the long bits several times for removing the refer, and other hard to reach places. Check Harbor Freight for the long bits. http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-3-inch-color-coded-driver-bit-set-99860.html The long bits can be hard to find. This set from Harbor Freight is nice.

 

[bluestreak]

On RV's, most if not all, the screws both interior and exterior are square drive.
I would rather use these than Phillips or crosspoint and much prefer them over the slot or standard.
Bill