Just say no to broken/stripped fasteners
#1
03-27-2011, 04:13 PM
Just say no to broken/stripped fasteners
We've seen so many threads lately on removing stripped/broken fasteners! Hope this helps the rest of you.
BEFORE screwing up your bike, learn the proper way to remove a stubborn fastener. While complete sets may seem unnecessary, it is usually easier to buy tools that way. The photo shows some of the tools essential to trouble-free wrenching on fasteners that might give problems:
Hammer, 3/8 impact driver, impact sockets, Phillips, flat-blade, Torx and hex (Allen) bits, 3/8-drive extensions, Aerokroil, gas-torch.
1st--lube the threads w/ Aerokroil; let sit overnight. Don't be impatient.
Next, selecting the proper driver bit (be sure the fastener recess is clean, and that the bit FITS), use a handheld impact driver to break the fastener loose BEFORE trying to wrench on it. Holding it firmly against the fastener, apply a slight amount of torque (by hand) in the removal direction, then give it a good rap (or 2 or 3) with an appropriately sized hammer (The BIG hammer shown is for intimidation, or for use if you skip the afore-mentioned steps). If you don't see the fastener begin to turn, you may need to apply heat (or the big hammer), depending on whether this is safe.
All comments welcome. This is about passing along the tips which might prevent turning a simple job into a major repair.
Note: avoid the very cheap imported tools.
BEFORE screwing up your bike, learn the proper way to remove a stubborn fastener. While complete sets may seem unnecessary, it is usually easier to buy tools that way. The photo shows some of the tools essential to trouble-free wrenching on fasteners that might give problems:
Hammer, 3/8 impact driver, impact sockets, Phillips, flat-blade, Torx and hex (Allen) bits, 3/8-drive extensions, Aerokroil, gas-torch.
1st--lube the threads w/ Aerokroil; let sit overnight. Don't be impatient.
Next, selecting the proper driver bit (be sure the fastener recess is clean, and that the bit FITS), use a handheld impact driver to break the fastener loose BEFORE trying to wrench on it. Holding it firmly against the fastener, apply a slight amount of torque (by hand) in the removal direction, then give it a good rap (or 2 or 3) with an appropriately sized hammer (The BIG hammer shown is for intimidation, or for use if you skip the afore-mentioned steps). If you don't see the fastener begin to turn, you may need to apply heat (or the big hammer), depending on whether this is safe.
All comments welcome. This is about passing along the tips which might prevent turning a simple job into a major repair.
Note: avoid the very cheap imported tools.
Last edited by lo-rider; 03-27-2011 at 04:17 PM.
#3
03-28-2011, 06:13 AM
Over the years have known a lot of bros,who should not own any tools.One friend in particular was always breaking bolts, stripping threads,cross threading,you name it.He had 10 thumbs.A lot of the others had no memory and were always ending up with spare parts.This is one of those things that makes us all a little different.Keep me away from computers!
#4
03-28-2011, 08:04 AM
Those are good for removing really stubborn fasteners, but rarely necessary. Many times just tapping the head of a bolt with or screw is enough to break it loose. If red loctite was used heat is mandatory.
The most important tool is your brain. Shut off that portion of your brain that tells you to push harder. It also helps to store cheater bars and vise grips somewhere outside of the shop.
The most important tool is your brain. Shut off that portion of your brain that tells you to push harder. It also helps to store cheater bars and vise grips somewhere outside of the shop.
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