Removing window sealant with cake spatula

[LHOAGE]

Is there a better tool to remove windows on a boat that were secured with sealant in addition to the screws? The screws were the easy part to remove. The only thing I can think of to remove this sealant underneath the window run is a sharpened cake spatula. Any thoughts?

[bstreep]

Are you saving the old windows? If you aren’t, drill a hole in them, put a piece of line thru the hole, put a figure 8 in it, and pull. Blades will help from there. Once you get it started, monofilament can work as well.

[5BTM]

A glazer bar.

[LHOAGE]

Originally Posted by bstreep

Are you saving the old windows? If you aren’t, drill a hole in them, put a piece of line thru the hole, put a figure 8 in it, and pull. Blades will help from there. Once you get it started, monofilament can work as well.

Only saving for templates. Will be making new windows from HDPE with slide in Plexi for easy clean and replacement. Transferring over new snap ons based on the layouts for canopy reattachment. But 10-4 on the filament plan. Seems the least destructive to the base material.

[LHOAGE]

Originally Posted by 5BTM

A glazer bar.

I am concerned about the glazer bar ruining the base material and creating too much repair work for the replacement window structure. What's your thoughts on that? Or does it just glide? Should I grease it?

[Uncle Bob]

Have seen an automotive windscreen removed with a length of piano wire fed through the sealant, dowel handles fitted each end & two guys using a sawing motion worked their way around the screen.

[5BTM]

Originally Posted by LHOAGE

I am concerned about the glazer bar ruining the base material and creating too much repair work for the replacement window structure. What's your thoughts on that? Or does it just glide? Should I grease it?

I have removed my windows without any damage.
It is as thin as the spatula but stiffer.
No need for grease.

PS I just noticed that they sometimes go by a different name. This is my favourite brand.
Two of those remove the window easily.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/a-r...per/1001004411

[Sailorman Ed]

PS I just noticed that they sometimes go by a different name. This is my favourite brand.
Two of those remove the window easily.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/a-r...per/1001004411

Oh, that is a beehive tool! Great for separating the frames in a hive and then cleaning the frames.

[Kd9truck]

I have separated fiberglass that was bonded with 5200 with a very sharp filet knife the blade of the knife was 8 inches long. I laid the blade on the flat and used the walls of the substrate as a guide. When I cut one side, I held the 5200 I was cutting out and as the blade followed the opposite substrate I pulled the 5200 out. Easy peasy.
Cheers

[wholybee]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

Have seen an automotive windscreen removed with a length of piano wire fed through the sealant, dowel handles fitted each end & two guys using a sawing motion worked their way around the screen.

I did this removing acrylic from my hatches. It works great. Just use a sharp object like a needle to create a hole, thread the wire through, then use the wire as a knife around the edge.