M8 bolts, perhaps!

jeremyrundle

Ok I believe that all the hex bolts on my bikes are M8, about 1/2".

The problem is that they are all rusting, they were all replaced with chomed bolts last year, any advice where I can get better ones please.

You know the ones, they hold the gear cables, brake cables etc.

Thank you.

redvee

Cable clamp bolts are M4, 8mm might be the size of the head on the bolts, not the thread size. Look for stainless steel bolts, they might not be as shiny as chromed but they will resist rust better.

desweller

Stainless steel. Any local machine supplies shop should be able to sell you what you need. Look under Engineer's Supplies on Yell.com.

Don't forget to dob a bit of copaslip on the threads when you replace them.

jeremyrundle

Thanks M4 yes, tahnks for the replies.

Nigel Bennett

You've got to watch stainless steel and aluminium - they're not good bed-fellows, especially in salt-laden winter rides. Use a good anti-seize and frequently remove the bolts and re-grease. Otherwise you're looking at rather sad-looking aluminium.

jeremyrundle

How about stainless steel and my steel frame bike, excluding my alloy bike, will that be ok.

Thanks

Blue Meanie

There's no easy answer other than use a bit of grease, and remove/regrease periodically. Problem with high quality steel botls is that if they do seize then they're very hard to drill out.

Didn't you only build this bike 6-9 months ago? That's quite quick for corrosion.
I keep a bucket at my back door, bikes get a quick douche after every wet run and a proper wash every week. Chains get a rag over it and re-lube weekly, and a de-grease about every month.

Oh, and adults don't clean kids' bikes, kids do! It's fun for all the family

Gussio

Screwfix is your friend