stripped a bolt, what do I do?
 

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...1af0cf9f12.jpg

So I was going to put on forward controls and ended up stripping the bolt :( I've never had this problem with anything before and I'm not sure how to handle it. I don't really have a crazy amount of tools or money so I'm looking for the cheapest way to fix this while still being easy.

Anyway I also want to know how I can prevent this from happening on the other he bolts. Thanks.

Spray liquid wrench on the remaining. You can hammer in a slightly smaller socket or try with a wise grip to turn it. Wise grip works most of the time.

Get a quality allen wrench and make sure it is inserted all the way. Looks like thats all you need. Stay away from cheap allen wrenches

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Vampliers. Inexpensive and work every time. Amazon.

Can anyone recommend a good set? I just have a set that I got from Lowe's that I can use with a ratchet. I actually thought they'd be pretty good. Unfortunately my experience with tools is rather limited.

You do realize that they make SAE and Metric allen wrenches right?
Make sure you have the right one for that bolt.
Newer HD's have more metric than the older ones.

Thanks everyone, I was able to remove it with vice grips as suggested. Other bolt came out no problem :)

Glad you got it out but it doesnt looked stripped. The allen just needed to be in further.

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Its all but impossible to strip an Allen head bolt like that if you use the correct size tool (they fit tight when they are right) and make sure it is seated all the way. Lowes stuff is fine. You either had the wrong size (SAE v metric, as was suggested) or you didn't have it bottomed out in the head.