JadeHel

Hey y'all, long time lurker, finally decided to make an account for advice on a mechanics issue.

Now, I'm not rich by any means, so I tend to take my bike's security pretty seriously (see: the 10 pound Kryptonite chain I wear around my waist when I ride, and the Abus U lock in my bag at all times). I tend to be on the paranoid side of bike security when it comes to securing my noble steed, so I went looking for ways to secure my cockpit and seatpost bolt.

The most common suggestion was to glue a ball bearing into the top of the hex bolt to deter thieves. So far so good! The only problem? It seems my method was extremely good because now I'm having a hell of a time getting the things out!

I glued the balls in the bolt heads with rubber cement. I've tried turpenoid and acetone and a wide array of blades and nothing seems to make them budge. I really don't wanna have to take a hacksaw to my bolts.

Any ideas on how to get them out of there without resorting to the nuclear option?

Much appreciated, y'all!!

Bill Kapaun

Dental pick?

dabac

Unless you hammered them in, and assuming metal stem/steerer, heat ought to weaken the glue long before there is any danger to the metal. After that, strong magnet, coarse needle etc.
Perhaps slotting it with a Dremel?
Turn it with a flat blade screw driver to break the bond.

Vince Canepa

3M General Adhesive Remover will soften the cement. Drip around the ball, let soak 20 minutes or so, then pry with a pick. O'Reilly Auto Parts carries the 3M product.

gsa103

Next time use a tiny drop of superglue. Superglue softens easily in acetone, so you can get it out quickly.