Single speed chain ring bolts really stuck, advice on drilling them out?
02-19-21, 10:52 PM
#1
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Single speed chain ring bolts really stuck, advice on drilling them out?
I've tried the special tool and the sharpened V end of a pry bar and snap ring pliers all of which fit solidly, but couldn't keep the bolts from spinning. I can't get these out. I'm thinking of drilling them out, but I don't want to damage my crank arms.
Is this not a good idea? If it is feasible, does anyone have any advice?
Thank you in advance
Is this not a good idea? If it is feasible, does anyone have any advice?
Thank you in advance
02-20-21, 10:13 AM
#2
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If you have a vise, clamp the slotted nut tool and use your weight to hold the crank on the tool. You could also try heating up the bolts by using a soldering iron or small butane torch on the inside of the bolt. It might have some strong threadlocker on it that may release with the heat. Don't get too carried away with a torch though, don't want to melt the aluminum. Yes, you can drill them out and easiest is to just drill the bolt head off.
Last edited by Crankycrank; 02-20-21 at 08:14 PM.
02-20-21, 10:25 AM
#3
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I've had to drill out CR bolts to remove them before. so long as you don't completely ham-fist the process, you probably won't damage anything other than destroying the bolts.
02-20-21, 11:22 AM
#4
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If you remove the crank from the bike AND drill from the Ring side (not the crank arm side) you might only cut the replaceable ring a little.
Barry
BTW did you clamp the slotted wrench to the cranks or hand hold it?
Barry
BTW did you clamp the slotted wrench to the cranks or hand hold it?
02-20-21, 08:57 PM
#5
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2. On a single speed, does removing the crank only involve removing that large hex bolt and pulling on the crank /tapping it out--or do I need a special puller?
3. You really can't clamp the tool its the Park Tool and thin aluminum and is not flat, but yes i did brace the reverse end against different parts of the chain ring.
4. If I did take a an old wide screwdriver and notch it with a carbide wheel grinder, I could set that in a vise and set the chain ring on it and really apply pressure to the notch so that it didn't slip but is it worth the trouble?
I'm definitely not reusing these again, I'll buy new ones anyway.
02-20-21, 09:01 PM
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SS nuts/bolts don't suck any more than normal ones.
02-20-21, 10:22 PM
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02-21-21, 09:38 AM
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In that case I still recommend just drilling the bolt heads off rather than going from the nut side. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the bolt shaft outside diameter = no damage to chainrings and the head should easily pop off. Fast and easy. Just use a slotted nut tool to hold them if it spins with the drill bit.
02-21-21, 11:35 PM
#10
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I drilled them today. They definitely were not aluminum. Somehow I found a cobalt bit that got them off. Yes I did nick one or two holes .
