5 Side Allen Bolt?? Anti-Theft Skewer? Help!!!
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5 Side Allen Bolt?? Anti-Theft Skewer? Help!!!
Hi I just bought a used bike that has a 5 sided Allen/Hex skewer for the front and back wheels. These is not Pinhead anti-theft skewers. They are 5 instead of 6 sided Allen bolts. Does anyone know the tool to use on these?
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Can't answer your question but it won't be too hard to cut the skewer off if you don't find the wrench. BTW didn't the seller mention this security "feature"? Andy.
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Allen = hex= six-sided. There is a line of Penta five-sided security bolts and nuts but don't see any bike stuff on their sites.
Yes, does look like Trans-X.
Yes, does look like Trans-X.
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
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It looks like a Trans-X Security Skewer. More popular in the UK and there are a few sets available with the key on the UK Amazon site.
Here is a set... https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/hub-spar...black/?geoc=US
-Tim-
Here is a set... https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/hub-spar...black/?geoc=US
-Tim-
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Heres one (with a new set of skewers) https://www.amazon.com/Tranz-TRANZ-Q.../dp/B001V581NG
Likes For AlexCyclistRoch:
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Fire Hydrants went to a 5 sided bolt for their valve on the Hydrant.
Hot Summer in the City and someone will get the water turned On, just hope the mains have enough for a Fire.
Hot Summer in the City and someone will get the water turned On, just hope the mains have enough for a Fire.
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Special fastener originally developed by a military contractor at the Pentagon used for bolting the $640 toilet seats in place on the C-5A cargo plane toilets.
Sorry, I couldn't help it.
Sorry, I couldn't help it.
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Don't use an easy out or grinder to destroy it, bad karma, get a five side off one of the cheapo Chinese anti-criminal skewers on ebay for a few bucks. You then can carry the thing around in your jersey for both bikes with this level of protection, such as it is.
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I'm way to late to help @cazzoo but I can share a recent experience with these "anti theft" skewers.
Where I work front wheels tend to disappear. So I replaced the quick release skewers on my bicycle with these 5 sided special tool skewers. Over the years the front wheel never disappeared so that's a good thing but this weekend I went for a long 27 mile bike ride. In the middle of the bike ride I noticed that my front tire slowly deflated. Luckily I was able to stop by bicycle community workspace where they help you to repair your bicycle. I'd say they are equipped and skilled like any other bike shop. Of course they didn't have the special tool, nor did I take it along for the ride. Staffers were puzzled a little about what to do.
I grabbed a medium sized flat screw driver that fit-jammed into the 5 sided slots so I could keep it from turning and unscrewed the other side with a pliers. It really didn't take any effort.
My conclusion:
- I'm glad the security of these skewers is ****ty so I could fix my tire.
- Repetitive use of the flat screwdriver and pliers method will cause horrid wear to these axel. (Thumb screw is aluminum and you can now already some shaving by the pliers.)
- Using normal non-quick release skewers provides the same security while allowing for emergency bike repairs the proper way.
Where I work front wheels tend to disappear. So I replaced the quick release skewers on my bicycle with these 5 sided special tool skewers. Over the years the front wheel never disappeared so that's a good thing but this weekend I went for a long 27 mile bike ride. In the middle of the bike ride I noticed that my front tire slowly deflated. Luckily I was able to stop by bicycle community workspace where they help you to repair your bicycle. I'd say they are equipped and skilled like any other bike shop. Of course they didn't have the special tool, nor did I take it along for the ride. Staffers were puzzled a little about what to do.
I grabbed a medium sized flat screw driver that fit-jammed into the 5 sided slots so I could keep it from turning and unscrewed the other side with a pliers. It really didn't take any effort.
My conclusion:
- I'm glad the security of these skewers is ****ty so I could fix my tire.
- Repetitive use of the flat screwdriver and pliers method will cause horrid wear to these axel. (Thumb screw is aluminum and you can now already some shaving by the pliers.)
- Using normal non-quick release skewers provides the same security while allowing for emergency bike repairs the proper way.
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Thanks. I'm in Canada and this was killing me. Had my front wheel stolen and then got a new one installed with a security bolt. Now regreting it 7 years later...
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Thanks. I'm in Canada and this was killing me. Had my front wheel stolen and then got a new one installed with a security bolt. Now regreting it 7 years later...
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Not on the bolted ones unless you have a really expensive bike. (mine was a Linus french style commuter bike) It was in front of the concierge desk too with a whole bunch of other bikes too. Bastards
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Amazon currently has the device under discussion as SUNLITE Locking Skewer Set, US sourced, so quick delivery.
Last edited by mdarnton; 07-07-21 at 03:22 PM.
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but this weekend I went for a long 27 mile bike ride. In the middle of the bike ride I noticed that my front tire slowly deflated. Luckily I was able to stop by bicycle community workspace where they help you to repair your bicycle. I'd say they are equipped and skilled like any other bike shop. Of course they didn't have the special tool, nor did I take it along for the ride. Staffers were puzzled a little about what to do.
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I am seeing a number of 5 point Torx wrenches forsale. One may fit close enough.
An option if there isn't a rush is to find the supplier of the QR and either buy a second set or see if they'' sell just the wench.
An option if there isn't a rush is to find the supplier of the QR and either buy a second set or see if they'' sell just the wench.