Knotlow Engine Shaft lid hinge broken

[Pete K]

One of the hinges on the heavy outer lid of the Knotlow Engine Shaft has sheared off. The lid can still be opened with care, but any twists or drops will risk breaking the other hinge. I've got the hinge part at home and we've hatched a plan to go up with a generator and arc welder on the 4th of April, so it will get sorted. Until then be careful with the lid.
At the same time we'll try to replace the rusty hinge bolts on the Whalf Engine Shaft inner lid, and fettle the plate on the Whalf Climbing Shaft where the nut is being drawn into the hole.
Pete K
DCA Equipment Officer

 

[Pete K]

A bunch of us will be up here today working on various shaft lids. If you can avoid any trips here then that might be a good idea, however we'll work around anyone who turns up to go caving. The Knotlow 210 Engine Shaft will have to stay out of action for a couple of hours due to the welding it needs.

 

[Pete K]

A productive morning was had up at Knotlow and Whalf today, including another separate team on another job.
I was joined by Kieran Rooney, Fabian Ehlers, Roy Rogers and Ann Soulsby. Together we welded up and reenforced the broken hinge pin on the Knotlow 210 Shaft, and sorted the inner lid hinge bolts on the Whalf Engine Shaft.

Independently of us, and coincidentally on the same day, Pete Wagstaff and Andy Cavill were also there to install the new captive locking bolts on the Knotlow Climbing Shaft and Whalf Climbing Shaft entrances. The bolts are a pivoting arm, so you just swing them out of the slot after loosening the nut. You still only require a spanner for access, but now there are no nuts to accidentally drop! This is an experimental idea and we're keen to hear how you get on with them.

Thanks to everyone who turned out today for a few hours in the sun, and to Andy for his excellent engineering on the new lid closures.

 

[Brains]

A productive morning was had up at Knotlow and Whalf today, including another separate team on another job.
I was joined by Kieran Rooney, Fabian Ehlers, Roy Rogers and Ann Soulsby. Together we welded up and reenforced the broken hinge pin on the Knotlow 210 Shaft, and sorted the inner lid hinge bolts on the Whalf Engine Shaft.
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Independently of us, and coincidentally on the same day, Pete Wagstaff and Andy Cavill were also there to install the new captive locking bolts on the Knotlow Climbing Shaft and Whalf Climbing Shaft entrances. The bolts are a pivoting arm, so you just swing them out of the slot after loosening the nut. You still only require a spanner for access, but now there are no nuts to accidentally drop! This is an experimental idea and we're keen to hear how you get on with them.

View attachment 22171
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Thanks to everyone who turned out today for a few hours in the sun, and to Andy for his excellent engineering on the new lid closures.

I like the concept, but how long before we have an overdue call out because some Muppets bolt a group in?

 

[andrewmcleod]

I like the concept, but how long before we have an overdue call out because some Muppets bolt a group in?

Presumably the presence of ropes still hanging from the entrance makes it pretty obvious there is still a group in the cave?

 

[paul]

I like the concept, but how long before we have an overdue call out because some Muppets bolt a group in?

They could do that before by replacing the loose nut on the bolt and just doing it up finger tight ...

 

[Brains]

They could do that before by replacing the loose nut on the bolt and just doing it up finger tight ...

Both of the above are true, which is why I would nip the nut up on the thread with the gate open. Only above finger tight though.
Hope I am being pessimistic

 

[Pete K]

Both of the above are true, which is why I would nip the nut up on the thread with the gate open. Only above finger tight though.
Hope I am being pessimistic

Still possible to nip the nut down on the hinging bolt so that it can't be locked without a spanner.

 

[Space Doubt Caver]

Great work,