I need suggestions/advice

**Mjlebsa** · 11-24-2021, 06:45 PM

I have a 2021 Solitude with the WFCO WF-T57 Transfer switch and I’m installing a hardwired surge protector/EPO.

Today, I was removing the red, black, white & ground wires. Well, I should say I was trying to remove them. I got 3 of the 4 off. One of the wires was torqued down at the factory at an ungodly torque setting. The screw is extremely stripped, from the factory, and me after today.

Very little room in there, but I’m stumped and mad. What should’ve been an extremely easy job has now turned into a royal PITA because someone torqued the screw down at and ungodly torque setting. Three of the four unscrewed very easily. As I would have expected it.

Any suggestions on how I could possibly get it out??

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**MoonShadow_1911** · 11-24-2021, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Mjlebsa

I have a 2021 Solitude with the WFCO WF-T57 Transfer switch and I’m installing a hardwired surge protector/EPO.

Today, I was removing the red, black, white & ground wires. Well, I should say I was trying to remove them. I got 3 of the 4 off. One of the wires was torqued down at the factory at an ungodly torque setting. The screw is extremely stripped, from the factory, and me after today.

Very little room in there, but I’m stumped and mad. What should’ve been an extremely easy job has now turned into a royal PITA because someone torqued the screw down at and ungodly torque setting. Three of the four unscrewed very easily. As I would have expected it.

Any suggestions on how I could possibly get it out??

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hate to say it, but a screw extractor is probably going to be the only way. Screw X-Tractor Damaged Screw Extractor Kit and Stripped Screw Extractor Set. Its A HassleFree Broken Bolt Extractor and Screw Remover Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GZ17QD9...ing=UTF8&psc=1

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

**Mjlebsa** · 11-24-2021, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by MoonShadow_1911

Hate to say it, but a screw extractor is probably going to be the only way. Screw X-Tractor Damaged Screw Extractor Kit and Stripped Screw Extractor Set. Its A HassleFree Broken Bolt Extractor and Screw Remover Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GZ17QD9...ing=UTF8&psc=1

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

What I thought [emoji2361]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Redapple63** · 11-25-2021, 12:40 AM

My suggestion is to cut the wire and restrip it. Save yourself the time. I doubt a quarter of an inch or so will hurt it.

**Scott'n'Wendy** · 11-25-2021, 05:31 AM

Originally Posted by Redapple63

My suggestion is to cut the wire and restrip it.

This is the route I would take.

With large stranded wire bending it back and forth a couple times will reduce the pressure on the set screw as it 'sets' into the lug, but if the screw is already stripped, cutting it off is your best option.

**Mjlebsa** · 11-25-2021, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by Scott'n'Wendy

This is the route I would take.

With large stranded wire bending it back and forth a couple times will reduce the pressure on the set screw as it 'sets' into the lug, but if the screw is already stripped, cutting it off is your best option.

Thanks, I’ll give that a try. At this point, the screw is beyond saving. I’m going to have to figure out if there’s anything special about the screw or if it’s just a standard screw.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**dryfly** · 11-27-2021, 12:17 PM

I looked at the manual for this transfer switch and it looks as if the screws you are referring to are Phillips head, and you are talking about the terminal strip. Right?

The manual states:

"Torque terminal strip lugs and Ground block terminals
to 35 in-lb maximum. Caution: over torquing will cause wire and screw damage."

Even if you get the screw out it sounds like there is a possibility that the terminal strip may be damaged at this point by over tightening. Hopefully not.

What about removing the transfer switch from the trailer so it will be easier to work on. I like the idea of wiggling the wire around to see if it will take pressure off the set screw. If not, how about cutting the wire and carefully drilling out the wire strands to accomplish the same.

**Mjlebsa** · 11-27-2021, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by dryfly

I looked at the manual for this transfer switch and it looks as if the screws you are referring to are Phillips head, and you are talking about the terminal strip. Right?

The manual states:

"Torque terminal strip lugs and Ground block terminals
to 35 in-lb maximum. Caution: over torquing will cause wire and screw damage."

Even if you get the screw out it sounds like there is a possibility that the terminal strip may be damaged at this point by over tightening. Hopefully not.

What about removing the transfer switch from the trailer so it will be easier to work on. I like the idea of wiggling the wire around to see if it will take pressure off the set screw. If not, how about cutting the wire and carefully drilling out the wire strands to accomplish the same.

Thanks for the info. So an update. I got it out finally by wiggling the wires and putting an easy out screw extractor on it. Whoever installed it, was WAY above the recommended 35 inch pounds. Luckily, the threads were not damaged so I took the screw to my workbench and ground a new groove into it so I could get a straight head screwdriver on it and get it torqued down to the 35 maximum inch pounds.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk