Grade 8 Torx bolts?

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May 31, 2006 | 03:51 AM

lkbenson

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Grade 8 Torx bolts?

I started to replace all of the Torx bolts on my WG this afternoon and when I pulled the first one out of the triple tree I noticed that it was marked â€œHD8â€ Does anyone know if HD uses grade 8 bolts or if this is a meaningless marking? I would hate to use ungraded Allen bolts if I need a graded bolt and if it is a grade 8 then are graded Allen bolts available? I canâ€™t say that I ever paid attention to grading whenever I bought Allens.

May 31, 2006 | 09:16 AM

Mac57

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From: North Jersey

RE: Grade 8 Torx bolts?

All hex socket head cap screws (commonly referred to as "Allen" bolts) are made of high strength alloys like 4140. They are actually superior in strength to outside hex head bolts that are Grade 8. Grade 8 bolts have six radial lines (clock marks) on top of the head, and are usually plated with zinc yellow dichromate. The HD8 that is on top of the torx bolts you are trying to replace is not a fastener industry marking, but more of an OEM (HD MoCo) identification. They are very likely Grade 8 or at least some kind of high strength fastener. One caution about Allen bolts. Make sure that whatever Allen bolts you use are plated. Zinc or zinc-yellow dichromate are the most common. A plain Black Allen bolt will rust immediatley. The high grade alloy used has a very high carbon content (essential for heat-treating) and will corrode rapidly. Plating keeps corrosion in check, but depending on the severity of the environment it is exposed to, over time corrosion will still come through the Zinc plating. Stainless steel bolts will not corrode, but are NOT high strength. It is not advisable to use a stainless steel fastener in an application where high strength is required. The torx bolts on your bike were designed for their application and it is probably best if you just leave them in there. But if you are going to replace them with Allens, rest assured that ALL are made of material of sufficient strength, but must have a plating or will corrode.

May 31, 2006 | 09:41 AM

1flhtk4me

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

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From: Billings,Mt.

RE: Grade 8 Torx bolts?

I could not say that any better MAC57.
I would go to a dealer and get replacement bolts for that item or contact a fastner co.

May 31, 2006 | 02:36 PM

lkbenson

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RE: Grade 8 Torx bolts?

Mac57, Just the type of response I was looking for. Much appreciated. Thanks.

May 31, 2006 | 07:57 PM

CraigC

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Joined: Feb 2006

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From: West Tennessee

RE: Grade 8 Torx bolts?

Stainless steel fasteners are available that are stronger than Grade 8. You just have to buy the right ones. I definitely wouldn't use an ungraded bolt for anything load bearing. Especially if it's holding the front end together!

http://www.alloyboltz.com/catalog/index.php