Removing tank vent screw?

[amuller]

This might be a dumb question, but:

I need to replace the sealing washers under some tank cap vent screws. Like what’s on the 3 gallon OMC tanks. These are prevented from coming all the way out by a thin stainless steel washer with spring tabs on it, that engage a groove near the end of the screw. I don’t see an obvious way to remove the washers without buggering them up. Is there a trick to this? What are these washers properly called and are they a hardware store item?

[david-bartlett]

They are called Push Nuts or PAL Nuts. Can get at a good hardware store.

https://www.mcmaster.com/#push-nuts/=1d7b4b7

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[John Schubert]

To remove them take a center punch & tap at the base of the tab where it begins to taper up. This will release the holding effect & makes for easier removal. Hardware store, auto supply stores & McMaster Carr have tab washers.

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