bikemike73 

Just wondering if anyone has any experience in the removal of one of these inset stem bolts ?



2 pics with top and side views.

Thank you

Cyclepeasant

Is the stem expander bolt hexagon stripped? Or does it just go round constantly as you try to undo it?

dsbrantjr

Hex sockets that size do not often strip out unless a worn tool is used; perhaps a new tool with sharp edges might get the bolt loose, after liberally spraying Kroil or PB Blaster onto the threaded end of the bolt after turning the bike upside down; give it some time to "creep" into the threads. After that, my suggestion would be to try pounding an oversized Torx wrench into the socket. Epoxying a sacrificial hex wrench into the stripped opening is another possible plan of attack.

bpcyclist

Just went through this myself with a smaller size bolt. You might also grab a piece of latex or plastic disposable glove and set it in the recess, then put the wrench in and see if ti catches enough to get it going.

oldbobcat

I've also removed allen bolts with rounded heads using, very gingerly, the largest torx wrench that will fit, after soaking the threads with Chill Zone. By gingerly I mean, at the first sign of movement that will possibly damage the wrench, back off and try something else.

ChrisAlbertson

The "epoxy trick" works the best. Get something that fits in the socket. Maybe a grade 8 bolt that you groud to a rough hexagon shape and use JB Weld to glue it in place. But first, remove every trace of any oil and dirt. After 24 hours the epoxy will be very hard. The JB Brand epoxy is good because it contains metal powder and cures hard.

If this fails then the last resort is to drill the bolt head. Use a drill that is just slightly smaller than the diameter of the bolt head. Drilling is 100% effective. To protect the aluminum parts, use a drill that is smaller than the bolt head but larger than the threaded part of the bolt. and be careful.

bikemike73 

Thank you for all the great tips.

I am a dope!!!

My friend told me it was stripped...BUT. it was not.

It's a 7mm rare size
Not the usual 6mm

Got a 7mm Allen wrench....removed no problem

Thank you again
Greatly appreciated

02Giant 

Your friend is the dope. You figured it out.

desconhecido 

Good result -- would have been a shame to ruin the bolt head. That looks to be a nice 3T stem on a bike with a nice fork crown, so probably a real nice bike. Bought a Raleigh International that has s similar stem and bar set though it looks to be older style 3T Record stem. Very nicely made.

bikemike73 

Thanks

It's a 1976 Conalgo Super
All campy components

Tubular tires !!!!

Happy and safe riding !!!!!