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Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:19 pm
by paul_mc
Hi
I have just found a large (approx 2½ x 3½ feet) manhole cover under the tiling in my utility room which is an extension built in the late 70s. In each corner there is a circular recess with three indents for a key. I cannot find a key anywhere on the internet, can you please advise? I’m told that this is a double skinned concrete screed and that under it will be a metal tray. The house was built in the early 70s.
Thanks
Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 8:28 am
by Dave_L
Paul - can you post a picture please of the manhole cover?
Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 10:57 am
by paul_mc
ok, im struggling lol. got the pics on my pc but how the hell do i link them to my reply as its asking me for a URL... (im easily confused!!!)
What i didnt mention by the way is I need thi the drain open to run washing machine waste piping in as were having a new kitchen built.
Cheers...
Paul
Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 11:11 am
by seanandruby
Paul if you click on notice board, there is a post from the boss on how to upload photos :;):
Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 11:28 am
by paul_mc
Wow, it says i have to get them onto the web first. Im even thicker at internet stuff!!! Can i not email the pics to someone or link to them? Or does anyone know how to get pics onto the web? Dont i need a website for that?
Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 5:16 pm
by seanandruby
paul_mc wrote:Wow, it says i have to get them onto the web first. Im even thicker at internet stuff!!! Can i not email the pics to someone or link to them? Or does anyone know how to get pics onto the web? Dont i need a website for that?
You and me both Paul. I have to get my wife, or my young grandaughter to post photos for me. Are the studs with the three holes a brass colour? You will find they are just just dust caps, they should prise off, or screw off. If you tap them around lightly with a screwdriver, or some tool, they should come off. Then there should be an hole for lifting keys below them. The lid will be heavy and may slide off one way, or t'other. Good luck.
Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 8:23 pm
by Suggers
Excellent 
you never fail to cheer me up.....
Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 10:15 pm
by flowjoe
Thats a big cover you have there paul, could be a utilities or telecoms cover that the builder had lay around the place.
As mentioned a picture would help, if its not bolted down then some light hammer and bolster work may be required to tempt it up ! (more Seans department than mine)
Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 9:37 am
by Dave_L
Here's Pauls cover. Some odd circular keys to release the sealed cover. I don't see any other way than tapping them round (if they'll move) with a punch or chisel. Failing that, drill the heads off them and remove the cover. I reckon it'll be bloody tight, too!
(Paul the closeups of the key slots were very blurred)
Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 9:52 am
by paul_mc
Thanks for uploading thr pic Dave...
Paul
So. noone knows of a key to open this? The missus is getting anxious that she wont get her new washing machine after all...
Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:21 am
by lutonlagerlout
are you sure they aren't large screw heads filled with cement?
looks like a double sealed cover to me,which normally have large philips style screws
LLL
Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:41 am
by paul_mc
I have good news... I used a punch and a hammer as sugested and hae one of the bolts out in 5 mins 
Dven after 23 years in the Army I could never be prouer of me than I am now...
Still got to get the other three out and lift the bugger but here goes... :laugh:
Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:45 am
by flowjoe
I think LLL is correct, looks like a bolt down cover with the heads or screw holes filled with mortar or bituman.
Once the screws (if there are any) are out we would normally use a small hook key, you can however get these covers up by carefully using a bolster or a couple of screw drivers between the cover and frame.
Before you put the cover back down put some grease in the frame to get an air-tight seal, this will prevent any internal venting and make lifting the cover easier next time.
Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:49 am
by flowjoe
paul_mc wrote:Still got to get the other three out and lift the bugger but here goes... :laugh:
Law of sods says that the first three will be a doddle, its the last bugger that will need tapping/drilling :;):
Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 3:31 pm
by paul_mc
Sods law certainly did rear its ugly head. First three bolts came out fairly easy but the last one was a sod. I had to go to B&Q and buy the biggers baddest pointed chisel with huge head and hammer like hell to get it moving. All of them are out now, but i think i need to chip around the edges to get some movement. I bought some cover keys too as now the bolts are out theres recesses for the ordinary flat drain cover keys. As a point of interest. the bolts are made of bronze!!!