Rounded allen bolt and cheap extractor - Urgent help please

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Comments

  • londoncommuter
    londoncommuter Posts: 1,550
    As an update on my saga, popped to Screwfix for the "pilot hole type" screw extractors but I can't really get a drill in to either bolt! Bugger.

    Any other inspirational ideals out there or anyone with a kitchen welder in Lewisham (I read somewhere you can weld an allen key into the bolt head)!

    Taped it up to stop it rattling and will try and get a 700ml bottle in a side entry cage on the seat tube for tomorrow.
  • jermas
    jermas Posts: 484
    Depending on the strength of your frame- another option would be to use an impact screwdriver. You'd have to cut a slot in the bolt head, then hammer the impact screwdriver (as hard as you dare). The hammer + twist action can remove some stubborn bolts.
  • smudgerii
    smudgerii Posts: 125
    Molegrips will grip a round head... Plusgas, heat and molegrips. No need for fancy stud extractors
  • jermas
    jermas Posts: 484
    The bolt head is domed not round.
  • smudgerii
    smudgerii Posts: 125
    jermas wrote:
    The bolt head is domed not round.


    Yes, but part unscrewed it will still have enough surface area for grips to work. It is the releasing agent and heat that will do the trick....
  • SME
    SME Posts: 348
    I usually use a cutting disc on a Dremel to cut a slot in the bolt head, then use a flat screwdriver or a flat screwdriver bit in a 1/4 in wrench.

    If the bolt can move a fraction then, as some others have said, apply some plus Gas and work it in by screwing/unscrewing the bolt - it'll take a lot of patience.

    As said, freezer spray on the bolt may shrink it down enough to have some effect, but I personally don't like using a torch flame near bodywork.

    Good luck,
    Steve
  • smudgerii
    smudgerii Posts: 125
    With the gas powerd solder torch you heat a tip, so no naked flame to burn the paintwork... Hold the tip on the bolt head and let it does it's work
  • t4tomo
    t4tomo Posts: 2,643
    Get the Argos one, it's so easy to use, even a woman in tight shorts and a skimpy vest can use them!

    And you don't need to use a drill, you can use a spanner or multi screw driver head on it.
    Bianchi Infinito CV
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  • 6wheels
    6wheels Posts: 411
    Provided you can slot the screw, one of these types will sort you out...

    http://www.axminster.co.uk/crown-cabine ... rs-ax21762

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Screwd ... ers%2Btang

    Molegrips on the first one or spanner on second.
  • londoncommuter
    londoncommuter Posts: 1,550
    For everyone waiting for the next thrilling installment.....

    Molegrips are amazing. How have I lived without them for this long.

    Sadly did mean first sawing off the carbon cage but after 7 years it didn't owe me anything (although me and it have a lot of fond memories together).

    New cheap ones are going on with at least 1kg of assembly paste.

    On those, £4 B'TWin or £7 Elite Custom Race (with "free" bottles):

    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-cycling- ... 58133.html

    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/team-bmc-cyc ... 41796.html

    Wonder which one would be easier to saw off in 2023......
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    If you mean carbon assembly paste, I wouldn't use that on threads. Copper compound or grease only.
  • londoncommuter
    londoncommuter Posts: 1,550
    Imposter wrote:
    If you mean carbon assembly paste, I wouldn't use that on threads. Copper compound or grease only.

    I'm wise enough these days (a little late now you may say) to smear tons of Shimano assembly paste (not the carbon stuff) on everything.

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... -prod27624
  • londoncommuter
    londoncommuter Posts: 1,550
    londoncommuter wrote:
    Imposter wrote:
    If you mean carbon assembly paste, I wouldn't use that on threads. Copper compound or grease only.

    I'm wise enough these days (a little late now you may say) to smear tons of Shimano assembly paste (not the carbon stuff) on everything.

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... -prod27624

    Interestingly though, Pinarello and some others advise threadlock on lots of parts rather than assembly paste.
  • photonic69
    photonic69 Posts: 2,791
    t4tomo wrote:
    Get the Argos one, it's so easy to use, even a woman in tight shorts and a skimpy vest can use them!

    I can't find the link with the woman in tight shorts and a skimpy vest on the Argos site. Can you post the link please? :lol:


    Sometimes. Maybe. Possibly.

  • SME
    SME Posts: 348
    PhotoNic69 wrote:
    t4tomo wrote:
    Get the Argos one, it's so easy to use, even a woman in tight shorts and a skimpy vest can use them!

    I can't find the link with the woman in tight shorts and a skimpy vest on the Argos site. Can you post the link please? :lol:


    She wouldn't need a blow torch - an electric screwdriver is enough for her!

    1d2c1e89b83311e741b1cddb496d56df.jpg

    PS Glad you sorted it. Shame about the cage, but better that than a damaged frame.

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