Stripped Allen Bolt
08-14-10, 04:38 PM
#1
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Stripped Allen Bolt
The previous owner of my bike must've tried using the wrong sized allen wrench adjust the cant of the handlebars, and the hole is pretty well stripped. Not totally, but enough. I think it's supposed to be 7/32.
Are there any tricks to getting a wrench to fit tightly or a way turn the bolt?
Are there any tricks to getting a wrench to fit tightly or a way turn the bolt?
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08-14-10, 04:47 PM
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7/32? you sure? it is probably 4 5 or 6mm. get some screw extractors. try to find a way to relieve the tension on the bolt if possible(remove the other bolt if its a 2 bolt face plate) once tension is relived it could be easily removed if its not seized. if the area has a lot of clearance a small pipe wrench(8 in) will work. could also try hammering the proper size allen in
08-14-10, 04:48 PM
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Every socket cap bolt hex on pretty much every bicycle in the world is metric. Try using a 6mm allen wrench.
08-14-10, 04:49 PM
#4
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All modern bicycle fasteners are metric. If you're using imperial Allen wrenches, go buy a set of metric tools before you strip the bolt further.
08-15-10, 12:05 AM
#5
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In cases where the hole is too mangled for a metric allen-key to fit, I find a torx bit that fits in half-way. Then hammer it in the rest of the way and use ratchet wrench to spin it off. The torx bit has an expanding diameter as it goes in and the shape really bites into the bolt-head.
08-15-10, 04:18 AM
#6
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In cases where the hole is too mangled for a metric allen-key to fit, I find a torx bit that fits in half-way. Then hammer it in the rest of the way and use ratchet wrench to spin it off. The torx bit has an expanding diameter as it goes in and the shape really bites into the bolt-head.
Then replace it with a new, 6mm bolt purchased from your LBS (bolt from hardware store may or may not be the right spec).
08-15-10, 06:08 AM
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Before doing anything else, try a brand spanking new 5 or 6 mm allen wrench. It's surprising how often that will do the trick. Then pull the bolt all the way out and replace it with a new one.
08-15-10, 07:32 AM
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+1 on trying a new proper metric allen wrench first. If the recess has truly been mangled so nothing at all fits, you could CAREFULLY cut therough the bolt at the gap of the stem and remove it in two pieces. Once the head end has popped off, you should be able to unthread the stub by hand.
08-15-10, 08:13 AM
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You guys were absolutely right. The hole was all torn up (little metal shards around the edges) that made it impossible to put in a 6mm, once those were cleared away I was able to tap the 6mm wrench in.
Thank you all very much!
Thank you all very much!
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*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
