Washing machine drum thread

Often repairing a washing machine requires removing the pulley, but this can only be done by unscrewing the screw that goes into the thread of the drum. This is not the easiest procedure, especially if you have to unscrew the screw for the first time. At the same time, you still need to manage not to damage the threads on the drum of the washing machine.

What is the thread of the drum?

The thread of the washing machine drum can be right-handed or left-handed. In most cases, it is the first option that occurs, but left-handed threads also come across from time to time, so information about the thread needs to be found out in advance. This is important because you cannot turn the screw in the other direction, there is a risk of damaging the head.

Important! Another problem when removing a screw is that most often it is not just screwed in, but is seated in a groove with fixing glue.

So even if you start twisting in the right direction, there is a chance that you will either “lick” the sprocket slots on the bolt head, or break not only the head of the product, but also the key. To cope with the task without any problems, you need to use special equipment.

Screw removal technique

Many craftsmen on the Internet recommend using a grinder with a metal cutting disc and cutting slots on the bolt for a regular flat-head screwdriver. Some people do the same thing, only using the appropriate drill attachment. But this work is quite painstaking and delicate, and there is still a risk of doing something wrong and damaging the screw head.

In fact, there is an easier and faster way to solve the problem. Everything you need to get started:

• screw.Its diameter should be slightly larger than the star-shaped recess for the tool wrench on our screw;
• an ordinary hammer.

Next, place the nut on top of the bolt so that the sprocket hole is directly below the nut hole. And make several blows with a hammer (at best, you only need to hit 2-3 times). After each blow, the nut must be returned to its original position, as it will fly off.

After a few blows, try unscrewing the screw with a wrench. If it still does not respond, repeat the procedure as many times as necessary. Popularly, there is another way to remove the screw on the drum pulley.

1. Take a hairdryer and heat the head of the product with hot air. Then the landing zone will expand due to heating and will be easier to influence.
2. Use a center punch or narrow chisel. Place it against the bolt at such an angle that when you hit the chisel with a hammer, the pressure on the head is in the direction of unscrewing. In the case of a standard thread, the screw is unscrewed counterclockwise.
3. After this, the bolt should be unscrewed without any problems using a torx screwdriver or wrench.

All of the above methods have the right to exist, so when choosing a technique, be guided by your tools, availability of time and experience with this or that device.

If you managed to unscrew the bolt holding the drum pulley once, then if you need to do it again, such difficulties should not arise. The screw will easily yield with a regular star wrench.

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