How to Remove Standoff

[eris]

I'm modding an old Arcam case for my Gainclone project. The problem is I'm using a larger toroid than the old one and I need to remove some standoffs that are right next to the transformer mounting point.

I've tried to unscrew them under varying degrees of excessive force with multiple tools to no effect. I've attached picutures of the top and bottom view of this type of standoff. As far as I can tell they look integrated with the case somehow. The bottom view shows some time of hex shaped mount point. It doesn't look welded and for the life of me I can't figure out how to remove the damn thing short of using a high-temp blowtorch, drill, laser etc.

Any machinists or MEs out there familiar with these things? Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

eris

[eris]

Sorry, just had to follow up with the second pic since I can only attach one at a time. Here is the bottom view.

eris

[Cal Weldon]

Hi eris, I have merged your two threads. No need to start a new one each time, just click the post reply button at the bottom of the window.

[raindog]

Hi Eris, I've came across such problems myself, a quick solution is to drill out the hex shape on the bottom.

[Nixie]

Use a cutoff wheel on a handheld rotary tool.

[ImSparticus]

Yep drill the botton hex, first use a centre punch to stop the drill skating !

You probably wont need a large drill size, only say....half the size of the hex stud to start with as the small shaft through the case is narrower.

[Nordic]

tried heating it, to see if it will let go of the shaft a little after expansion?

[AndrewT]

Hi,
the stand off has a hex stud through a hex hole in the bottom plate (to stop it rotating). The short hex has been peened over (probably using enormous load with an impact hammer) to very effectively rivet the standoff to the plate.

Just drill it out.

[eduard]

this stand-off has this hexoganol top and is pressed using a enormous force concentrated into a small hammershaped metal attached to a machine. the hole is not hexagonal but round to get a perfect fit!!! I think the easiest way is to use a drill about the same diameter as the standoff on the inside and drill after marking the centre at the hexagonal side

[eris]

Thanks for the help, guys. I just decided to drill it out while waiting for a reply. Usually I try to save components, but in this case the standoffs are cheap.

BTW: No need to use a centerpunch to start the drill. I just drilled from the opposite side and used a bit small enough to drill out the threads. Then I turned it over and drilled out the hex with a larger bit.

Same effect and no messing around with centerpunches.

eris