Mercury Outboard Vent Screw Hack

[RealMuddyboots]

So tired of dealing with the dang vent screw slotted bit being larger than anything I have in tool box. Until I had epiphany, gunsmith slotted bits from Brownells. Their magnum slotted bit fits absolutely perfect! No slop, nice tight snug fit. Stops blade from buggering up that dang slot. Its only $8.99 so I bought 2, one for boat tool box and one for gunsmith box.

BROWNELLS Leupold/Buehler Windage Screw Bit Dia (0.43) Thickness(0.07) SKU: 080430430

Check out BROWNELLS Leupold/Buehler Windage Screw Bit Dia (0.43) Thickness(0.07) SKU: 080430430 with 7 reviews and an overall rating of 5.0, available Online at Brownells Today and many more Screwdrivers & Sets products are available in our Tools & Cleaning Department.

www.brownells.com

 

[Hem]

So tired of dealing with the dang vent screw slotted bit being larger than anything I have in tool box. Until I had epiphany, gunsmith slotted bits from Brownells. Their magnum slotted bit fits absolutely perfect! No slop, nice tight snug fit. Stops blade from buggering up that dang slot. Its only $8.99 so I bought 2, one for boat tool box and one for gunsmith box.

BROWNELLS Leupold/Buehler Windage Screw Bit Dia (0.43) Thickness(0.07) SKU: 080430430

Check out BROWNELLS Leupold/Buehler Windage Screw Bit Dia (0.43) Thickness(0.07) SKU: 080430430 with 7 reviews and an overall rating of 5.0, available Online at Brownells Today and many more Screwdrivers & Sets products are available in our Tools & Cleaning Department.

www.brownells.com

View attachment 395731View attachment 395732

Yep, and with an manual impact driver you'll never fight those dumb slotted screws again.
I learned this lesson just last week. Bought a new Honda outboard last year. This Spring i went through the checklist on maintenance and in trying to remove the slotted screw to check the fluid in the lower unit , stripped it out. Aluminum screw( presumably) with a combination oversized slot/star.
Very soft material. That screw was seized. Tried my largest screwdriver, and then a large star bit in a battery impact. Not a good idea. Made things worse. I was dreading drilling the screw out on a new outboard, for sure.
Talked to my boat mechanic who told me how dumb I was and loaned me his impact kit...similar tips to what you used. Two love taps with the proper tip and mallet , done deal.
Im putting a kit in my stocking.