DeWalt tool

[LawlessTR]

I have a DW735 13" Planer and can not get the screws out that hold the blades in. I am not sure if I need to to put some kind of lube and make a big mess even later. My wrench that came with the mach. has almost rounded of and of course the company does not list the size of the bolts or the wrench. I think it is a 4mm wrench but not sure about the size of the thread size of the bolts. Anyway I don't know what to use to loosen them.
Any Help Would Help

[Mystical adviser]

Try a little heat around the bolts. they may have locktite on the threads.

[bbaker]

Just purchased a used 735 planer and discovered this stuck screw problem while attempting to reverse the blades. Of course it wallowed out.

Tried vice grips on the side of screw, heating with torch, no results.

Finally the solution, which saves a service charge and lots of down time:
Take a small hammer, about 10 ounces, and a sharp small cold chisel (I used one about 5" long), raise the striking end of the chisel up for just enough clearance to hit it with the hammer, and tap the screw just left of center so it will turn counter-clockwise. Only took about two or three taps to break it loose.

Wear gloves and wedge a piece of wood between the blade and the inside of the blade housing to prevent movement of the roller, and good luck.

If you happen to wallow out the screw, (they are only 85 cents from this site, diagram #15), just leave out the screws on the other two blades at the same place until your new screws arrive, that is if you absolutely can't wait for your order to arrive.

This is an craftsman's trick, I am retired but was a master craftsman for 40 years. We used this trick in the shop if we wanted to save the screw and didn't want to chisel off or saw off the screw head.

BTW, you can improve your allen wrench by slowly grinding off the end until no wear marks are present. Just be careful not to get the metal too hot, and re-temper the wrench by dipping in water after grinding. Also, a good quality wrench is a must.

Hope this is helpful to all.

B Baker

Former Chairman of the Virginia State Apprenticeship Council, which oversaw about 5000 registered apprentice sponsors, and 15,000 apprentices. Appointed by 5 consecutive governors.

Training: 4 year registered apprenticeship in multi-crafts, with a 4 sheet metal mechanic course concentrated in the last two years.

Awards: Best 4th year apprenticeship in North Carolina, awarded by Labor Commissioner Jim Long.