Winslow (Woodruff) Key Lost!!!!

[Gazmn]

I'm having an "Oh $H!t" moment.
I lost that half nickel sized widget that locks in the steering wheel

Who, how & where can I get another one...
Anyone

[Ixneigh]

Make one? Ss washers cut In half in a pinch?
Ix

[Russ]

You talking about this thing?

[Gazmn]

You talking about this thing?

Yep

[Spector]

Woodruff key..any bolt supply house should handle them

[Gazmn]

WOODRUFF KEY!!

No Wonder I couldn't find it Thank You!

[Gazmn]

Any clue what size we use???

[kmclemore]

Most Home Depot / Lowes / Sears Hardware will have hardware bits bins and they often have Woodruff keys. You need one that fits in the slot you have, so measure the width of the slot and that will tell you what size you need.

[seahouse]

Hey Gazmn!

Note that in an emergency you might be able to reassemble the steering wheel without this key and still have functional steering.

I have never had this apart on these boats, but that is assuming the wheel is also on a locking taper that will snug up when a nut is turned. The Woodruff key / keyway/ keyseat is used to hold an index in one position and to absorb any torque that is beyond what the friction in the locking taper will absorb, so abrupt steering inputs will need to be avoided, although some turning/ slipping would not be catastrophic.

[Gazmn]

Thanks Guys

In a few hrs I went from uh oh!... To Oh... ok I can fix this - & get extras

As always, you guys are GREAT. I learned What the Hull the thing is called & Where I can get it. Who's better than u guys?

Nobody

[Tomfoolery]

For quick results, your best shot is a True Value or other franchise hardware store. I don't recall ever seeing key stock (straight) or Woodruff keys in a BORG, but every good hardware store stocks them in a variety of sizes.

[shrektruck]

New to sailing and I saw the title and thought I'd better see what a ''Winslow key'' is. Ha ha, True Value or Napa is probably your best bet.

[kmclemore]

!	kmclemore:
	Changed the title to make it a bit more searchable in the future.

[Gazmn]

Thanks Mod,

Kev you & The Boys do a great job. For Free

Thank You

[kmclemore]

Thanks Mod,

Kev you & The Boys do a great job. For Free

Thank You

Thanks! Nice to hear a little kudos once in a while.