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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Woodruff key (half moon key) removal

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Hendrik

09-10-2005 02:17:01




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Can't get a woodruff key out of a shaft. Does anyone have a trick for this? I haven't tried heating yet since I regard that as a last resort.
Actually, the key is in the tapered end of the rockshaft (approx. 1 inch dia) of the Touch Control unit of my Farmall Super A.
Thanks, Hendrik.




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Hendrik

09-12-2005 04:36:23




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 Re: Woodruff key (half moon key) removal in reply to Hendrik, 09-10-2005 02:17:01  
Thank you all for your advice. I regard all methods as equal, but some are more destructive than others ;)
Key is soaking in penetrating oil now and I'll try the 'tap on one end and rotate key' first. Might end up buying new key :(
Thanks, Hendrik



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NC Wayne

09-10-2005 18:56:41




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 Re: Woodruff key (half moon key) removal in reply to Hendrik, 09-10-2005 02:17:01  
Using a punch and driving one end down to rotate it around is usually the best way to get one out. Now if it's large enough you can try another trick whch pretty much works with any kind of key be it hald moon or flat. The main thing is it has to be a larger key. First decide what size bolt you can put in the key. Now drill a hold through the key, letting the bit go all the way through and dimpling the shaft. Now tap the hole for the appropriate size bolt. Run the bolt in and tighten it up forcing the key out of the groove/slot. Like I said this only works with a key large enough to put a tapped hole in but I've never seen it fail, even with keys we've nearly cut in half trying to get out with a hammer and chisel. Good luck.

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RayP(MI)

09-10-2005 14:28:55




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 Re: Woodruff key (half moon key) removal in reply to Hendrik, 09-10-2005 02:17:01  
Yeah, I had one like that the other day. Was virtually welded to the shaft. In frustration, I tried the cold chisel act and ended cutting it off flush with the shaft - that's how tight it was. Ended up with a Dremmel tool and several cutoff wheels. A little tedious, but was able to grind out the channel perfectly to take a new key.



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Weirsdale George

09-10-2005 05:50:57




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 Re: Woodruff key (half moon key) removal in reply to Hendrik, 09-10-2005 02:17:01  
If all else fails, put a small cutoff wheel (radius smaller than that of the key) in a die grinder and cut down the length.



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Farmer in the Dells (WI)

09-10-2005 05:22:03




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 Re: Woodruff key (half moon key) removal in reply to Hendrik, 09-10-2005 02:17:01  
I have had some success placing a sharp chisel flat side against the shaft and tapping. I found it also helps to hold a magnet against the key to grab it when she lets go. HTH



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Midwest redneck

09-10-2005 04:45:34




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 Re: Woodruff key (half moon key) removal in reply to Hendrik, 09-10-2005 02:17:01  
Yep those woodruff suck big time. 2 things to try. 1. use a cold spray on the key and tap it out with a punch and a hammer. 2. machine it out on a milling machine with a small milling cutter.



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Allan in NE

09-10-2005 04:15:05




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 Re: Woodruff key (half moon key) removal in reply to Hendrik, 09-10-2005 02:17:01  
Hendrick,

At one far end of the key, tap the face of the key in deeper in the keyway. This will make the key rotate; it will pivot up and out on the other end.

Then ya can grab it with the side cutters or vice-grips.

Allan



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RAB

09-10-2005 04:43:46




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 Re: Woodruff key (half moon key) removal in reply to Allan in NE, 09-10-2005 04:15:05  
In addition to Allan in NE: Don"t forget to tap it with a soft hammer, eg copper headed, or you may damage it for further use. Only re-use if in perfect condition.
Regards, RAB



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JMS/MN

09-10-2005 06:52:34




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 Re: Woodruff key (half moon key) removal in reply to RAB, 09-10-2005 04:43:46  
If you use a drift pin and hammer, the impact goes on the pin, not the key.



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Tig Welder

09-10-2005 03:36:22




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 Re: Woodruff key (half moon key) removal in reply to Hendrik, 09-10-2005 02:17:01  
I have had pretty good luck with a pair of side cutters for this,just grip the key with cutting edges and use the handles for leverage..... ..



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MPK

09-10-2005 12:15:19




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 Re: Woodruff key (half moon key) removal in reply to Tig Welder, 09-10-2005 03:36:22  
I usually put a punch on one end and tap it down and then tap against the other end to lift it out.



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