OK...how do I get the "Z Lock" off the tube?

[Eagle & Bear]

I need to cut almost 3 feet off of the patio awning tube. I got the spring out without any problems. I have drilled out all of the rivets that hold the Z Lock in place. It will not budge. I have tried tapping it and turning it but the Z Lock is cast aluminum and will, I am sure, crack if I use too much force. Is there a secret rivet or screw that I cannot find? Should I wait several hours for the silicone to work?

[Smartstream]

Originally Posted by Eagle & Bear

I need to cut almost 3 feet off of the patio awning tube. I got the spring out without any problems. I have drilled out all of the rivets that hold the Z Lock in place. It will not budge. I have tried tapping it and turning it but the Z Lock is cast aluminum and will, I am sure, crack if I use too much force. Is there a secret rivet or screw that I cannot find? Should I wait several hours for the silicone to work?

The Z locks on the awnings that I shortened were held in with three rivets. Drill the rivets and they should come out. My question is why are you removing it? If you have the spring out, I assume you have the fittings that mount the spring out just cut that end of the tube. It doesn't matter which end of the tube you cut. If you really want to cut the Z lock end, go ahead and cut it and then push the Z lock out with a block of wood. Much less chance of harming it.

Good luck, Dan

[Eagle & Bear]

Thanks Dan,

Zip Dee folks are telling me to only cut on the Z Lock end. I had underestimated the size of the rivets. Ran a larger drill through the rivet holes and it popped out with no problem. I did take the Z Lock apart and found two teeth missing and a bent pin. It also needed some silicone to keep things working. Unless there are objections I will just reuse it.
Michael

[Smartstream]

Originally Posted by Eagle & Bear

Thanks Dan,

Zip Dee folks are telling me to only cut on the Z Lock end. I had underestimated the size of the rivets. Ran a larger drill through the rivet holes and it popped out with no problem. I did take the Z Lock apart and found two teeth missing and a bent pin. It also needed some silicone to keep things working. Unless there are objections I will just reuse it.
Michael

Michael I'm glad you got the Z lock off. Cutting the Z lock end is much easier then messing with the spring end. As to the damaged Z lock I wouldn't worry too much because I think many of the newer awnings don't use it anyway. As long as you have the clamp locks on each end the Z lock doesn't really do much.

Cheers, Dan

[azflycaster]

The z lock is no longer used on ZipDee awnings. It has been replaced by the Travel Lock which is simple to install and locks your awning to the side of the trailer when traveling. You would need to replace the Z lock with an idle end assembly. Just another option to consider.