Lift the dot fasteners

[RickS]

Is there a knack to opening lift the dot fasteners please?

 

Trying to unfasten the front of my cratch cover and some are coming off and some aren't. Don't want to get medieval and get a screwdriver/claw hammer behind them so thought I'd ask

 

Ta

[Naughty Cal]

Once you have got them off apply some vaseline. 

 

They get stuck if not used for a while.

[PeterF]

I use muc off dry lube on mine, seems to work and unlike grease does not trap dust. However, it does need reapplication from time to time.

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-maintenance/bike-lube/muc-off-dry-lube-bike-lubricant---120ml-955310.html

[BEngo]

Give the reluctant ones a tiny squirt of Plus Gas  onto each pin and round the hole.

Leave for a while then work them gently up and down at the ends. You are trying to free off the hairpin spring inside the moving part. 

 

N

[nealeST]

11 hours ago, PeterF said:

muc off dry lube on mine

Great tip. I have these fasteners on my ‘59 Triumph TR…wasn’t aware of this product..lift the dot are fiddly.

[carlt]

After lack of use the springs inside the female half often seize, dislodge or snap.

 

You can buy new ones from J Clarke Marine.

[RickS]

Thanks all. I used a screwdriver in the end to get a better angle and gently pried off the stubborn ones.

 

Good tip about Vaseline, ta

[Mad Harold]

They can be fitted upside down, as I found on a recently purchased boat.

Instead of lifting the dot, it was necessary to "pull the dot" from above.