Rack Bolts - need long key

Dec 31, 2006 7 Replies

Because of the way that a door frame has been built, I need an extra long key to work a rack bolt (a good 4 or 5 cm longer than usual).



It's the usual star type key.



I thought that maybe if I could buy a foot length of the star rod material I could cut it to the right length, and then simply bend a small handle into it.



Only trouble it, I've got no idea where I might buy the rod. Anyone know?



Thanks,



P.


Do you mean Torx? If so you can get Torx drivers, or if that's still not long enough try Torx hex bits and use an extension bar

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RS won't sell to individuals and are rarely the cheapest ...

Probably easier to weld a short length of steel bar to your existing key. If you haven't got access to a welding machine your local garage workshop should be able to oblige.

If the star refers to Torx, these are used on cars and available as fittings for a socket set so can be used with extensions in the usual way.

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> Though RS won't sell to individuals and are rarely the cheapest ... Half right. RS have been selling to individuals for at least 13 years.

They sell - mail order - to anyone with a credit card. You simply have to register.

If the key is made out of brass, it may be sufficient to extend it using a piece of brass tube and a soldering iron. I did this a few years ago with a mortice key and the result never broke in service. I got the tube from a model shop.

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> Though RS won't sell to individuals and are rarely the cheapest ... Oh dear! I'm obviously not the only one to have fallen foul of RS and their difficult to use website!

I was taken to task over this yesterday!

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(At least it's nice to know I'm not the only one!)

Is the star shape you're looking for to fit a Chubb bolt? It sounds like some that I've used in the past.

In which case its a splined brass rod (not Torx) and others have already posted solutions that sound good to me!

A Happy New Year to all!

Terry

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