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Old 08-20-2021, 12:14 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Handicap wall rails?

I have seen lots of videos on what a pain in the ass the handicap tie-down floor rail removal is. The problem I am having is getting the handicap wall rails removed. All my sockets are too big to fit in the holes.

I am in the middle of nowhere, 45 minute drive to the closest hardware store. Does anyone know what size these bolts are? And a suggestion for a brand for thinner walled sockets, or what tool you used for removal would be a huge help.

Thanks!
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Old 08-20-2021, 01:30 PM   #2
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After taking a lunch break and letting my brain start working again, I pulled out my wrench set. Trial and error taught me that my rail bolts are 15mm. Can't turn any of them with the wrench, but at least I could try them on for size. Now I just need to order a thin walled 15mm socket.
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Old 08-20-2021, 04:52 PM   #3
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Bought a thin wall socket
...
It still is too big to fit in the hole. Every single video I see on youtube that has the rails up in one video, their next video they are all removed with no mention. Like it's the easiest thing in the world and I am some kind of retard for not being able to figure it out.
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Old 08-20-2021, 05:09 PM   #4
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I'm glad mine didn't have those. No one has come up with an easy removal technique that I know of. Cut off wheel on an angke grinder to clearance the sides of the upper channel to gain access might work.
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Old 08-20-2021, 05:11 PM   #5
Mini-Skoolie
 
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There has to be a tool they used to INSTALL them. It should work for removing them. ... Surely a school has had a broken window and had to replace it.

I would think of it was a pain in the ass someone woyld have made a video about it.
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Old 08-20-2021, 06:06 PM   #6
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Maybe try an angle grinder with a cutting wheel, cut a notch through the center of the bolt and use a big regular screwdriver to turn it out.
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Old 08-20-2021, 06:11 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by musigenesis View Post
Maybe try an angle grinder with a cutting wheel, cut a notch through the center of the bolt and use a big regular screwdriver to turn it out.

That is my last resort plan. I want to reuse the rails to install cabinets after blanking out the windows and would prefer not to be using damaged hardware. I figure if I cant get them out, I wont be able to get them back in either.


I have emailed bluebird maintenence asking if a special tool is required to remove and reinstall.
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