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Old Jun 1, 2020 | 08:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Steve Sportster
3/8-16. Check length when you take out the original ones. I used stainless steel bolts. I ran a thread die onto them and ground a taper on the end for ease of alignment when reinstalling the bolts after a cleaning (etc). The die helps keep the threads straight. I never have trouble getting them out and back in.
I also ended up running a 3/8-16 tap through the nut plates To clean out the excess threadock goop Harley-Davidson used. Otherwise it was difficult to get the bolts back in without cross threading them.
 
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Old Jun 1, 2020 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Uncle G.
I also ended up running a 3/8-16 tap through the nut plates To clean out the excess threadock goop Harley-Davidson used. Otherwise it was difficult to get the bolts back in without cross threading them.
cross threading - unfortunately “been there done that”. It was a complete pain in the ***

i wish there was a quick release option
 
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Old Jun 1, 2020 | 10:33 AM
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Default Saddlebag quick release
Do you think something like this (in the correct size) would be an option?


 
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Old Jun 2, 2020 | 02:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Herbkell
Do you think something like this (in the correct size) would be an option?

I would have thought that would be ok, if used with a suitable spring washer







 
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Old Jun 2, 2020 | 09:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Phil13
I would have thought that would be ok, if used with a suitable spring washer

I like this idea. Please keep us posted where we can buy this bolt I might try this
 
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Old Jun 2, 2020 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Herbkell
Do you think something like this (in the correct size) would be an option?

where did you find it? Any chance you can share the link or name for this?
 
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Old Jun 2, 2020 | 10:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Burbur2
where did you find it? Any chance you can share the link or name for this?
Lowes sells those or on line.
https://www.amazon.com/JW-Winco-Plastic-Threaded-Diameter/dp/B00A9N54FE/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=3%2F8-16+plastic+****+bolt&qid=1591111092&sr=8-1 https://www.amazon.com/JW-Winco-Plastic-Threaded-Diameter/dp/B00A9N54FE/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=3%2F8-16+plastic+****+bolt&qid=1591111092&sr=8-1
 
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Old Jun 2, 2020 | 10:29 AM
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https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/S...-16/p/WWG3GEW9

I found this one at Grainger but the longest they seem to sell is 1.5 inches. I think the one OldMike posted above is 2 inches. I don't have my bike handy but I think the OEM bolts are 2.5"

Are we on to something here? I would love a true quick release for the saddlebags. i suspect hand tightening would result in less cross threading which I know a few of us have experienced
 
Last edited by Herbkell; Jun 2, 2020 at 10:43 AM.
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Old Jun 2, 2020 | 03:39 PM
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I just use a socket and a ratchet on the hex head bolts. Quick enough for the few times a year I take them off/on and a heck of a lot better than a Torx.
 
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Old Jun 2, 2020 | 04:05 PM
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