Hi Folks:
Can someone let me know what tool they use to remove Marquee Lenses? I have an 8500 and I need to swap out two of the tubes. I have a set of allen keys, and i find the sizing doesn't quite match, and the Lens connections are so far deep in there that I need something pretty long to reach.

Can you let me know what you use, and better yet if you can point me to the actual product sku at a hardware store. I can swing by a store like Orchard Supply here in California to pick the 'thingy' up, if they have it.

Thanks in advance!

A bit ghetto, but what I use is a long flathead screwdriver that just fits into the diagonal of the hex pattern. It's a lot easier to find a long screwdriver than hex key.

Ben

for an 8500AC it requires a 5/32nd's hex (Allen) key on a long 1/4" drive ratcheting extension. For an LC machine, it's a really odd-ball 9/64ths hex-key. You need the extensio to be about 9' long to clear the lenses. I wound up making my own tools by joining old hex-key bits to pieces of scraps tainless steel tubing with a TIG welder (attached pic)

Thanks guys. Good suggestions, and I managed to cobble something together from a Craftsman set that now works.

http://www.mcmaster.com/ Look at catalogue page 2777. You can buy the correct T-handle tool at the correct length for $1.33 and $1.47 each. Or if you want the cushion handle versions, a little less than $2. each...

You can also use a torx key T20 I think.

I used a redneck allen wrench extender: pliers.

At Menard's, they sell a hex set that is long enough to where you don't need extensions... works great and it only cost $19 for the entire set... :)

At Menard's, they sell a hex set that is long enough to where you don't need extensions... works great and it only cost $19 for the entire set... :) that sounds like a good deal, I hated the extensions and loose drivers because they would always pull apart while working with them. The long T-handle wrenches from mc-master can't be beat for a buck-fifty but they don't ratchet, still good for the occasional machine though. Any of these is better than cramming a screwdriver or torx bit into the hex-bolt. ;)

http://www.mcmaster.com/ Look at catalogue page 2777. You can buy the correct T-handle tool at the correct length for $1.33 and $1.47 each. Or if you want the cushion handle versions, a little less than $2. each...

These are what I use(bondhus t-handles), and they are strongly recommended. Best hex wrenches ever, they have the rounded end which is particularly great. You can also find them locally if you go to a machine shop supply store (may be difficult to find at a regular hardware store except in full sets)

Yeah, I bought a full set of the socket extension version from harbour Freight and use my socket wrench with them. Makes quick work :)