Trailer repair

[Bob Parsons]

I lost a rollar recently, not an uncommon event. When I went to install a new one, I discovered that the old clip had broken off leaving a piece amost flush in the hole. I guess I have to drill it out, but not sure how to start into the remains of the old pin.

[DaleH]

If it projects above the hole - good, file flat and use a "center" punch (90-degree angle on the tip "V") to mark the center of the pin. If the old pin is lwer than the hole, you could try to mark a center using a "prick" punch (60-degree angle on the tip "V"), if you have such tools on hand.

Use a much smaller drill to start to get you centered. It should come out without much difficulty.
http://www.canadianwoodworking.com/Newsletters/images/centerpunchsq.jpg http://www.canadianwoodworking.com/Newsletters/images/prick.jpg

From left to right: Center punch - Prick punch, ((Photo source: Starrett (http://catalog.starrett.com/catalog/catalog/PLH2.asp?NodeNum=22531&Mode=PLIST))

[Bob Parsons]

Thanks Dale, would have been pretty close to doing it right left to my own devices. I'm sure a need a new center punch for something anyways,

[Mark Cahill]

That the blue wrench can come in very handy on stuck bolts, nuts, etc.

I'll admit it. I'm a hack and I am forever drilling out, sweating out, pounding out stuff.

[medburd]

Mark,

I had the same exact problem on my trailer 2 years ago. I was able to file it flat and with a smaller bit started the pilot hole. I found the material they use for the pins to be considerably softer than that of the roller support itself...which made drilling pretty easy.

good luck.