What wrench do I need to remove arms of captain's chair?

norockets · 01-17-2009, 09:01 AM

I'd like to install some seat covers on my captain's chairs, but need to remove the arms for the best fit. (then put them back on) The attaching bolt head appears to be star shaped - what wrench do I need for this bolt.
thanks,
Mike S
(getting ready to head to Big Bend NP)

Skywagon · 01-17-2009, 09:24 AM

Without looking at the seat, but from your description, ie: star-shaped, it sounds like a Torx screw. I just went out and looked at mine, and it takes a Torx T-50 wrench.
Bill

**BroncoHauler** · 01-17-2009, 09:48 AM

Bill beat me to it.

If this is this the type of screwhead you're looking at, it's like Bill said, a Torx.

Herb

norockets · 01-17-2009, 10:17 AM

That's the type of bolt, all right. Thanks for the info. Would a hardware store have this wrench, or is it more a specialty automotive tool?
thanks,
MIke S

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco_hauler

Bill beat me to it.

If this is this the type of screwhead you're looking at, it's like Bill said, a Torx.

Herb

Skywagon · 01-17-2009, 10:29 AM

A little bit specialty, but a good hardware store might have it.
More likely Snap-On, or Matco or someone like that. You can either get an L-shaped wrench (or set of wrenches) or one of those deals like a pocket knife with multiple wrenches, or you can get a tool like a socket that fits on your 3/8ths ratchet.
While you are at it, you might as well get the whole set because you'll use them all before long.
Bill

**BroncoHauler** · 01-17-2009, 10:34 AM

Auto parts store, Sears, Lowes, Home Depot, Harbor Freight...

Like Bill said, a full set is a worthwhile investment. Quite a few parts on vehicles use Torx screws.

Herb

Ford_6L_E350 · 01-17-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norockets

That's the type of bolt, all right. Thanks for the info. Would a hardware store have this wrench, or is it more a specialty automotive tool?
thanks,
MIke S

Or, you can buy most any kind of tool you need (or anything else) from McMaster-Carr:

http://www.mcmaster.com/

Search down the page for "Hand Tools" and in that section you will find "Torx Keys and Drivers". On that page, the T50 L-wrench runs under $3.

Mike

Greg In Austin · 01-17-2009, 01:29 PM

Norockets,

Are you headed to Big Bend from Alaska?

jage · 01-17-2009, 05:16 PM

You can get a set of T-20 through about T-60 that fit on a standard socket wrench. Jeeps have a ton of torqux (sp?), so I have a full set or two. Sears will have them if the h/w store doesn't.

Be sure to get the right size and keep it squarely in the head- they love to round off, snap teeth and outright sheer on some of the bigger things.

norockets · 01-19-2009, 06:34 AM

Thanks to everyone for the advice; I found the wrench I needed at ACE hardware which carries a full selection of the TORX type wrenches. Got the arms off, the seat covers on, and the arms replaced.
For the record, I'm headed to BBNP from Apache Junction, AZ. I drove the SMB down here from AK a couple years ago and now store it here for winter adventures in Baja and the Southwest.