Cleats. Really need help!

00cheesey

hey,

I have tryed 2 remove the cleats from my shimano shoes and they will not budge!
The allan key slot (is thats what u call it?) has completely worn so the allan key just slips and the cleats have seized to the shoes.

What do i do? Is there a way of removing the cleats with out the space for the allan key being there? Please help as i'm racing soon and i need the cleats off!
Thank you very much!

supersonic

Drill the heads off.

00cheesey

sorry, i don't get how that works, could someone describe to me how?

taz3611

Isn't there a straight slot for a screwdriver? If there's nothing then the way forward is to set the shoe into a bench vice so it won't move, get an electric drill and a small drill bit and drill the centre of the allen bolts out. Use a bit that is slightly smaller than the threaded hole. This destroys the bolt and leaves the threaded hole. There may be a small amount of bolt 'pieces' left in the threads which can be removed with a sharp pointed tool. A steady hand is required along with a smattering of patience. Good Luck

fuelex

Try putting a torx wrench (star shaped thing) in there. Plenty of wd40/gt85 too.

ride_whenever

use a larger drill bit to drill the head off, then take the insole out and remove the cleat plate from the inside.

The remaining bit of the bolt can be removed with pliers.

reluctant

New shoe time!

fuelex

You can get new thread plates for shoes when you buy new cleats (with shimano ).
I stripped the thread on one of mine a few weeks ago and thought it was going to be new shoe time. Thankfully not, I like my worn in old ones!

dave_hill

00cheesey wrote:

What do i do? Is there a way of removing the cleats with out the space for the allan key being there? Please help as i'm racing soon and i need the cleats off!
Thank you very much!

Brute force and ignorance every time.

Use a hammer and (old) screwdriver to break off the washer which fits between the screws and the cleat.

Then try a pair of (small) mole-grips to get a grip on the screw heads. You may end up shearing the screws off in which case you'll have to replace the threaded plates under the insoles anyway.

When you fit a new pair of cleats, apply copper grease to the threads before fitting the screws and don't over-tighten them. When you come to remove them again, make sure that you clean the hex socket out thoroughly before you start.