All it takes is one damaged screw to eff up a project...
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 110
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All it takes is one damaged screw to eff up a project...
It's happened to me on 3 different projects on my nightster. Screws are on pretty tight and as I am trying to remove one, I damage the screw head and the tool I am using to remove it can't get a good grip and slips.
Any pointers on how to prevent this from happening?
Any pointers on how to prevent this from happening?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 806
Likes: 1
From: Carquinez Straights - Northern CA
What type fastener head?
I use a little lapping compound on a phillips head screw driver. The grit helps get a grip on the slots.
Sometimes an impact driver is needed. (the type you smack with a hammer)
I use a little lapping compound on a phillips head screw driver. The grit helps get a grip on the slots.
Sometimes an impact driver is needed. (the type you smack with a hammer)
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
There are a number of T27 Torx screws on your bike and that bit size is not included in many Torx bit sets. Using a T25 bit on a T27 screw will strip the screw every time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
You have a couple good answers there. Sometimes it helps to tap the fastener with a punch just to jar them loose.
Also good quality tools fit better.
Now on to more important topics.
I think the left one is better.
Why is she moving her lips?
Also good quality tools fit better.
Now on to more important topics.
I think the left one is better.
Why is she moving her lips?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
+1 - Can't be any help without knowing the type of screw. Your Sporty has slotted, phillips, hex and torx.
There are a number of T27 Torx screws on your bike and that bit size is not included in many Torx bit sets. Using a T25 bit on a T27 screw will strip the screw every time.
There are a number of T27 Torx screws on your bike and that bit size is not included in many Torx bit sets. Using a T25 bit on a T27 screw will strip the screw every time.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=4...041600_d_11562
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,096
Likes: 4,673
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
If someone put those screws/bolts in with red loctite, they can be a bear to break loose. A propane torch or a heat gun that can put out 500 degrees or more will soften the loctite and sometimes then they'll be easy to back out. Gotta use some common sense with heat, don't let it hit anything plastic, or heat metal right by an o-ring or grommet. Stay away from paint! If you got some out, you can tell if loctite was used, will be some dried on the screw, and should be enough color to tell which was used. I like to use blue loctite putting most Harley hardware back in, doesn't weld it in there, but helps keep it from loosening from vibration, but you don't need heat to remove it. Blue, not green, the green wicking loctite is like super glue.
If you break the head off a screw/bolt, try getting all the rest off and remove the part/cover with the broken screw, if possible. Often there'll be enough threads exposed to grab with a visegrip. Good luck, and let us know if any of this worked for you.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,335
Likes: 27
From: San Diego, CA
I learned a long time ago (back in the 60's when most of the screws on Honda motorcycles were aluminum) that nothing works better than one of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/impact-...ase-37530.html
Ever since I started using one of these I have never lost a screw or bolt to head stripping.
http://www.harborfreight.com/impact-...ase-37530.html
Ever since I started using one of these I have never lost a screw or bolt to head stripping.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
One problem is if U buy used, what did the prev owner use to install the bolts..
I've read in here some use the RED permanent type Loc-tite on the Pri, derby and point covers. then wonder why they strip the heads.
At work we used to also just tap the bolt straight in on bolts we couldn't break loose,, an impact socket does the same but better because it impart a backing out twist at the same time..
If that don't work, then U can apply heat to the body of the part, not the bolt. U want the body to enlarge, not the bolt.. but if loc-tite is used just heat will usually help.
Also a good set of tools and proper fitting are a must...
.
I've read in here some use the RED permanent type Loc-tite on the Pri, derby and point covers. then wonder why they strip the heads.
At work we used to also just tap the bolt straight in on bolts we couldn't break loose,, an impact socket does the same but better because it impart a backing out twist at the same time..
If that don't work, then U can apply heat to the body of the part, not the bolt. U want the body to enlarge, not the bolt.. but if loc-tite is used just heat will usually help.
Also a good set of tools and proper fitting are a must...
.
