Saddle clamp bolt stuck
10-13-22, 06:29 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Saddle clamp bolt stuck
Few days ago I bought a used bike and the condition was pretty new. I was trying to adjust the angle of the saddle but the bolt would not come loose. It's a single bolt clamp. First I took the seat post off, followed lefty-loose and tried loosening with my hands, then a hand drill afterwards but it would not budge at all.
I don't see any signs of rust/corrosion and I'm afraid of stripping the nut if I go any further. Another thing i noticed is a small shiny smudge on the seat post that I can't rub off, almost reminds me of smudged super glue, which makes me wonder if it was superglued on..
If I miss anything out please let me know, would really appreciate any advise! (Sorry I don't have permissions to post pictures)
I don't see any signs of rust/corrosion and I'm afraid of stripping the nut if I go any further. Another thing i noticed is a small shiny smudge on the seat post that I can't rub off, almost reminds me of smudged super glue, which makes me wonder if it was superglued on..
If I miss anything out please let me know, would really appreciate any advise! (Sorry I don't have permissions to post pictures)
10-13-22, 06:33 AM
#2
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@bangozango - Welcome to BF. Sounds like you went from bad to worse then asked for help! Common approach.
You can post pics in your profile in albums. Click your avatar then on "My Profile" and look on the right side there is a window for albums.
You can post pics in your profile in albums. Click your avatar then on "My Profile" and look on the right side there is a window for albums.
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Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
10-13-22, 06:52 AM
#3
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@bangozango - Welcome to BF. Sounds like you went from bad to worse then asked for help! Common approach.
You can post pics in your profile in albums. Click your avatar then on "My Profile" and look on the right side there is a window for albums.
You can post pics in your profile in albums. Click your avatar then on "My Profile" and look on the right side there is a window for albums.
10-13-22, 07:06 AM
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Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
10-13-22, 07:07 AM
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Welcome and please follow SJX426's coaching and if not clear mention the materials. Worst case, my guess you are dealing with corrosion, especially if around saltwater, with aluminum and a non-aluminum bolt. To break the electrolysis bond, which can be very difficult, you may need to expand the aluminum with heat. Aluminum is an excellent heat sink, you need a lot of heat to break the bond, I have used a propane torch.
10-13-22, 07:12 AM
#6
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When you say "hand drill,0 do you mean that you used a drill with an Alan bit to try to "impact" the bolt?
There are number of "break free" penetrant solutions, Kroil, Liquid wrench, Freeze off, etc. Get a can and spray it if the heat doesn't work or isn't an option.
You could try using an Allen wrench and add a adjustable wrench at the end or a small pipe for a longer lever. Done this dozens of times with success. Worst case is the head separates from the bolt shaft, and everything falls apart.
There are number of "break free" penetrant solutions, Kroil, Liquid wrench, Freeze off, etc. Get a can and spray it if the heat doesn't work or isn't an option.
You could try using an Allen wrench and add a adjustable wrench at the end or a small pipe for a longer lever. Done this dozens of times with success. Worst case is the head separates from the bolt shaft, and everything falls apart.
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
10-13-22, 07:27 AM
#7
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Thread Starter
Welcome and please follow SJX426's coaching and if not clear mention the materials. Worst case, my guess you are dealing with corrosion, especially if around saltwater, with aluminum and a non-aluminum bolt. To break the electrolysis bond, which can be very difficult, you may need to expand the aluminum with heat. Aluminum is an excellent heat sink, you need a lot of heat to break the bond, I have used a propane torch.
When you say "hand drill,0 do you mean that you used a drill with an Alan bit to try to "impact" the bolt?
There are number of "break free" penetrant solutions, Kroil, Liquid wrench, Freeze off, etc. Get a can and spray it if the heat doesn't work or isn't an option.
You could try using an Allen wrench and add a adjustable wrench at the end or a small pipe for a longer lever. Done this dozens of times with success. Worst case is the head separates from the bolt shaft, and everything falls apart.
There are number of "break free" penetrant solutions, Kroil, Liquid wrench, Freeze off, etc. Get a can and spray it if the heat doesn't work or isn't an option.
You could try using an Allen wrench and add a adjustable wrench at the end or a small pipe for a longer lever. Done this dozens of times with success. Worst case is the head separates from the bolt shaft, and everything falls apart.
10-13-22, 10:10 AM
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I have had success with the SJX426 method also. Make sure the end of the allen wrench is pushed in all the way and fully seated then push and hold the allen wrench firmly in the head of the bolt so it won't slip and use a cheater pipe and pull. It will pop loose.
10-13-22, 11:05 AM
#9
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Thread Starter
The nut is loose! I took a break and tried again, with confidence from frogman as well. I had a old seat post lying around and used it as the cheater pipe, and sure enough after some heavy pushing it FINALLY moved. When it first moved I almost thought I rounded off the nut. Thanks, you guys are awesome.
