Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

The hub plug, the one with the two little holes on the top it. I want to remove to inspect and clean as needed. I tried a few hits with a punch and hammer but no go. Put some penetration oil on it and no help. Special tool needed or heat? I have removed some in the past with the punch method but this is really stuck. Any ideas

Drill it. Replace it with a standard plug.

Make yourself a tool, takes about half an hour. Use 3/16" drill stock or cold roll for the two prongs. I made this years ago, used to run into those plugs often but not much any more but still have it when I need it...

Ivan, do you need to heat the hub around the plug to get it to let go?

The plug and hub can take a good amount of heat before it affects the babbitt, and when torqueing on the wrench, tap with a hammer. The vibration will help as well...

The keys to working on a windmill: Heat, penetrating oil, vibration, and patience.

To expand on Ivan's solution, many years ago I had the same problem and took a 3/4" bolt, cut the head off and drilled two holes for a press fit for the pins. Advantage for me was I could put a 1 1/2" 6 point impact socket on the tool and use my air impact (gently!) to remove a stuck plug. Worked every time for me. Replaces with a square head plug and good to go.

Meant to say 1 1/8" socket not 1 1/2"!

Bryon wrote: Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:22 am The keys to working on a windmill: Heat, penetrating oil, vibration, and patience.

Well I went out this morning and tried all three, almost gave up and she came loose!!! I love that tool idea and definitely next time will make one. Just got a little impatient and used a center punch and hammer. Only used a small amount of heat around the plug because of bearing concern. Plug is still good to use again. Thanks everyone!

Wow Tom, that's a great idea.