stripped torx screw
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 805
Likes: 0
RE: stripped torx screw
The sears easy outs work ok, but DO NOT I repeat DO NOT put a drill on them or they will snap. Just use a ratchet or even better put it on a screw driver adapter. Evertime I have put a drill to these I have snapped them off and made it a hell of a lot harder job.
Left handed drill bits from Matco work great as well.
Jeff
Left handed drill bits from Matco work great as well.
Jeff
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse, NY
RE: stripped torx screw
You guys have made me very, very nervous. I'm going to change out some covers to skulls next week and now I am afraid to try it. I thought it was supposed to be so easy. I've got all the right stuff. I hope it goes smoothly.
BA
BA
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 245
Likes: 3
From: austin, Texas
RE: stripped torx screw
I'll bet you were using Chinese tools that you bought as a bargain. The problem isn't with the torx screws, the problem is with your tools. I've taken off many of those torx screws with a Snap-On or Mac tool and never stripped them.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 3
From:
RE: stripped torx screw
ORIGINAL: KBFXDLI
How did you know which size & thread?
ORIGINAL: JamieWG
Be careful with the craftsman extractors. If the extractor breaks in half (and they break real easy), then you're stuck with a hardened steel piece inside the stripped bolt and you can't drill it out.
Here is a method that worked for me... Take a drill bit that's the same diameter as the stripped bolt. Drill directly into the center of the head of the stripped bolt. Once you drill in a little bit, the head will pop off. After you pop off all the stripped heads, the cover will come off, then you can use your fingers to remove the headless bolts. They unscrew very easy once the heads are off and there is no torque on them.
Another method that works is to use a dremel cutting disc and cut a slot in the heads, then use a large screwdriver to remove the bolts. Or use a chisel and a hammer to knock the bolts loose by inserting the chisel head into the slot you cut.
I bought SS allen bolts at a local hardware store. I think it was a DIY store, but I can't remember for sure. Most hardware stores sell them.
Be careful with the craftsman extractors. If the extractor breaks in half (and they break real easy), then you're stuck with a hardened steel piece inside the stripped bolt and you can't drill it out.
Here is a method that worked for me... Take a drill bit that's the same diameter as the stripped bolt. Drill directly into the center of the head of the stripped bolt. Once you drill in a little bit, the head will pop off. After you pop off all the stripped heads, the cover will come off, then you can use your fingers to remove the headless bolts. They unscrew very easy once the heads are off and there is no torque on them.
Another method that works is to use a dremel cutting disc and cut a slot in the heads, then use a large screwdriver to remove the bolts. Or use a chisel and a hammer to knock the bolts loose by inserting the chisel head into the slot you cut.
I bought SS allen bolts at a local hardware store. I think it was a DIY store, but I can't remember for sure. Most hardware stores sell them.
How did you know which size & thread?
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: stripped torx screw
ORIGINAL: Upswept
I'll bet you were using Chinese tools that you bought as a bargain. The problem isn't with the torx screws, the problem is with your tools. I've taken off many of those torx screws with a Snap-On or Mac tool and never stripped them.
I'll bet you were using Chinese tools that you bought as a bargain. The problem isn't with the torx screws, the problem is with your tools. I've taken off many of those torx screws with a Snap-On or Mac tool and never stripped them.
I just checked my TORX bits and they are the Sears Craftsman "impact" hardened set for impact wrenches and fit the torx heads very tight. So I think they probably as good as the Snap-Ons
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
From: West Tennessee
RE: stripped torx screw
Got my derby cover changed today. After breaking three Craftsman torx drivers and stripping screws in the process, I had to drill out four of the five screws. Had nothing to do with the tools, the bolts were over torqued from the factory. Actually, the only driver I had left, the only one that didn't break, was from a cheap set of tools.
Thanks for the tip JamieWG. I was worried the screws would have threadlock but they did not and drilling the heads off worked perfectly. Pain in the *** but it worked.
Thanks for the tip JamieWG. I was worried the screws would have threadlock but they did not and drilling the heads off worked perfectly. Pain in the *** but it worked.
Tourer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 2
From: Canada
RE: stripped torx screw
Hi...what size bolts are in the derby cover,inspection cover and primary cover so I can order up some SS ones to replace them and have them on hand to put back in those problem areas. I have the Sevice Manual ordered and I am waiting for it to arrive before changing my fluids but could some body give the sizes of all the bolts I will need...that way I can be all prepared. I guess you would need thread size,length,grade etc.
Thanks
Thanks
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
RE: stripped torx screw
I'm in the same damn bind right now. Tried drilling it out and made it totally worse, those screws are strong as *****. It's terrible.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
RE: stripped torx screw
ORIGINAL: HDWG
You can get bolts to replace those damn torx???????????????Where?, HD? I want some
You can get bolts to replace those damn torx???????????????Where?, HD? I want some
ORIGINAL: KBFXDLI
The torx fasteners suck. I'm getting the SS allen heads at my 1000 mi service.
The torx fasteners suck. I'm getting the SS allen heads at my 1000 mi service.
Ace hardware has a good selection of chrome allen head bolts as well as stainless, I get the stainless ones and polish them on the buffing wheel.
never, ever buy common bolts from a dealer