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Simple Solutions – 2000-06-01

Pulling buckets apart Problem: Five-gallon buckets are commonly used around the plant as storage containers.

By Staff June 1, 2000

Pulling buckets apart

Problem: Five-gallon buckets are commonly used around the plant as storage containers. When the buckets are stacked together waiting for use, they tend to stick together, and are often quite difficult to manually pull apart. Is there another option?

Solution: Pull on the handle of the top bucket while inserting the nozzle of an air compressor line just below the rim of the second bucket. Pneumatic pressure, along with a manual pull, easily separates the two.

Contributor: Chet White, Liebert Corp., Columbus, OH

Holding difficult nuts

Problem: Getting hold of a nut snuggled in a corner with a wrench or socket is often very difficult, if not impossible. Is there a way to get the screw or bolt out under this condition?

Solution: Keep the nut from turning while trying to remove the screw or bolt by placing the blade of a screwdriver between the nut and part of the frame. The wedge formed between the two flat surfaces keeps the nut from moving. The screw or bolt can then be removed.

Contributor: Bill Baltusavich, Project Engineer, Plainwell Tissue, Pittston, PA

Shocking answer

Problem: Is there an easy way to free tight setscrews?

Solution: “Shock” the area of steel around the setscrew with a center punch. Simply make a couple of indentations around the setscrew with a hammer and punch. The tight screw usually comes right out.

Contributor: Dennis Huth, Agrifrozen Foods, Grandview, WA