Headset cap screw worn down
cgrenn
Posts: 206
Hi Guys,
My headset cap screw has worn down quite abit when changing my Handlebars/Stem. Anyone have any idea what my options are?
My headset cap screw has worn down quite abit when changing my Handlebars/Stem. Anyone have any idea what my options are?
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Comments
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Fit a new one?
PS - you'd have to be changing bars/stem several times a day over many months/years to wear out a screw - if that's what you meant?0 -
Sorry I'll show you what I mean, please see picture below. As you can see the issue is I can't get it out
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How did you manage that? It's only supposed to be minimal torque.0
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Sorry I'll show you what I mean, please see picture below. As you can see the issue is I can't get it out
No offence mate - but you've made a right mess of that. Either you've been using the wrong size allen key on it, or you've been wrenching it up so tight you've stripped it. Those bolts are only supposed to serve to nip up the pre-load on the headset bearings, before you tighten the stem bolts.0 -
Sorry I'll show you what I mean, please see picture below. As you can see the issue is I can't get it out
No offence mate - but you've made a right mess of that. Either you've been using the wrong size allen key on it, or you've been wrenching it up so tight you've stripped it. Those bolts are only supposed to serve to nip up the pre-load on the headset bearings, before you tighten the stem bolts.
I'm well aware that I've messed it up. And no offence taken, reckon they could sort it at my LBS?0 -
Sorry I'll show you what I mean, please see picture below. As you can see the issue is I can't get it out
No offence mate - but you've made a right mess of that. Either you've been using the wrong size allen key on it, or you've been wrenching it up so tight you've stripped it. Those bolts are only supposed to serve to nip up the pre-load on the headset bearings, before you tighten the stem bolts.
I'm well aware that I've messed it up. And no offence taken, reckon they could sort it at my LBS?
Probably - but if you have a set of imperial allen keys, or torx keys, you might be able to turn it with one of them, if you can tap one in that's slightly oversize...0 -
Sorry I'll show you what I mean, please see picture below. As you can see the issue is I can't get it out
No offence mate - but you've made a right mess of that. Either you've been using the wrong size allen key on it, or you've been wrenching it up so tight you've stripped it. Those bolts are only supposed to serve to nip up the pre-load on the headset bearings, before you tighten the stem bolts.
I'm well aware that I've messed it up. And no offence taken, reckon they could sort it at my LBS?
Probably - but if you have a set of imperial allen keys, or torx keys, you might be able to turn it with one of them, if you can tap one in that's slightly oversize...
I think I'll take it there, I won't touch it anymore. Done enough damage.
What a mear, crashed today smashed my all in one Carbon handlebars too. I need a whisky!0 -
Just run a drill down it that is nearly as big as the head of the screw. If you go too far you might knacker the top cap as most. There will then be a length of screw thread you can get hold of with pliers or mole grips. As it is no longer under tension it should come out easily.0
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Before you get the drill out, try epoxying an allen key into the head of the screwMake mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..0
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I'd get my Dremel and carve a small line through the middle so I could get a flat head driver in there.One plays football, tennis or golf, one does not play at cycling0
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I'd get my Dremel and carve a small line through the middle so I could get a flat head driver in there.[/quote
I do not think you would have damaged it in the first place . I am not having a go at the op but if he can damage a screw like that with an Allen key God only knows what he could do with a drill or a dremel! I think the lbs is the best solution.☺0 -
Before you get the drill out, try epoxying an allen key into the head of the screw
Excellent idea!0 -
+1 for using a torx. Or maybe using the elastic band and hex key trick. Lay the elastic band over the bolt and push it in to the bolt with the hex key.
If the bolt was so tight in the first place you might need to have the bearings checked. You might have crushed them.Cube Attain SL Disc
Giant CRS 2.00 -
Before you try any of the above it might be worth doing the following:
1. Undo the stem bolts that clamp the stem to the forks (undo them so they are super loose)
2. Turn the bars left so that the stem pivots and the forks stay in the same place. If the bolt is really tight then this may just loosen it off.
3. If that doesn't work try turning the top cap to the left with your hand. If you can get enough grip on it you might be able to loosen it off.
Good luck!0 -
Top cap is of. Used the old saw a line down the top cap and bolt and unscrew it. Everything is good apart from that. That's for all your help everyone0
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Top cap is of. Used the old saw a line down the top cap and bolt and unscrew it. Everything is good apart from that. That's for all your help everyone
My idea worked then, you're welcomeOne plays football, tennis or golf, one does not play at cycling0 -
. Or maybe using the elastic band and hex key trick. Lay the elastic band over the bolt and push it in to the bolt with the hex key.
Ha! Every day's a school day! Never heard of that beforeWilier Izoard XP0
