General Topics/Tech Tips Discussion on break in periods, rider comfort, seats and pad suggestions. Tech tips as they become available will be posted here.

Hex head screw removal

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 25, 2006 | 09:24 PM
  #11  
baggersport's Avatar
baggersport
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Great state of Maine
Default RE: Hex head screw removal

Once removed, replace it with a torx. Standard on newer models and much less prone to stripping. If others find themselves in the same predicament, use a small sharp chisel and try to move the bolt head in the direction of loosen as rh8234 mentioned above, or if you are unwilling to try that, I will hammer a torx into the hex bore and try that.
 
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2006 | 09:50 AM
  #12  
bob53's Avatar
bob53
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Default RE: Hex head screw removal

In my opinion Torx heads are worse. I had problems with Torx head screws. Thats why I switched to hex. I even ruined the Torx socket. No matter what kind of screws you use, I recommend replacing them with new ones everytime you remove the derby cover to change the gear oil.
 
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2006 | 10:52 AM
  #13  
HDF Tech's Avatar
HDF Tech
Banned
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,496
Likes: 156
From:
Default RE: Hex head screw removal

ORIGINAL: bob53

In my opinion Torx heads are worse. I had problems with Torx head screws. Thats why I switched to hex. I even ruined the Torx socket. No matter what kind of screws you use, I recommend replacing them with new ones everytime you remove the derby cover to change the gear oil.
Just a heads up here, those torx bolts that most people end up messing up are a #27 and most kits do not have that size in it and only have a #25 which will fit but a little bit sloppy making you think you have the right torx for the job in any event. Without realizing this some may go ahead and use the #25 and end up stripping out the head without realizing what they did wrong and cuss at the bike, the bolts, the torx and everything else too when in fact they used the wrong torx socket to begin with.

The dirby cover, hand controlls and a lot of other servicable torx bolts are #27. Get the right size and your life will be much easier/

It's all in the DIY in the proper area under transmission/clutch and primary related
 
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2006 | 05:38 AM
  #14  
wlbowers's Avatar
wlbowers
Stellar HDF Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,234
Likes: 106
Default RE: Hex head screw removal

Sears has a new set of removal tools for stripped nuts, bolts, and screws.
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2006 | 01:53 PM
  #15  
ToadKing's Avatar
ToadKing
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Default RE: Hex head screw removal


When you break a tap off in a bolt, you then have to deal with the rockwell hardness of tool steel. The best way to remove the problem bolt at this point is to use a tiny carbide bit (1/8") shaft, with a small round head. It's best if you have an air die grinder, but a dremel tool will work, just slower. Just grind the head of the bolt completely off, remove the cover, and remove the headless bolt with vise grip pliers.
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2006 | 12:09 AM
  #16  
tripl8's Avatar
tripl8
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 564
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood WA.
Default RE: Hex head screw removal

Exactly how much "torque" are you ising to tighten em up with??? its a cover ,man..not a conn-rod!
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2006 | 12:24 AM
  #17  
Shovelhead Bob's Avatar
Shovelhead Bob
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,537
Likes: 21
Default RE: Hex head screw removal

Bob53.... Try this when you put in the new hardware...

Anti-sieze the threads on the screws before you install them.

5k later, when you are servicing the primary, take a T-27 socket and rap it with a hammer (Just not hard enough to break the cover or primary), then unscrew it. Works like a champ.

Any one else that has a hard time getting them out, use a little heat and a hand impact to break them loose....

JMPO
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2006 | 09:11 AM
  #18  
RoadRunner1's Avatar
RoadRunner1
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: Hex head screw removal

It always helps to use a little prevention when replacing any screws or bolts. After removing run a bottom tap in the hole to clean it up. This is a must after you remove the factory stock screws with the sealer on the threads and are replacing them with new.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 3, 2006 | 03:56 PM
  #19  
RoadRunner1's Avatar
RoadRunner1
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: Hex head screw removal

I might have been a little hasty in recommending a tap for cleaning threads. Use only if no other tool is available. The best method is to use a restorer or a chaser if you have them available. These are configured to only remove nick, burrs and restore threads without removing metal and making the hole loose. I'm glad that I corrected myself before I got beat up by the sharpies.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2006 | 04:02 PM
  #20  
dert's Avatar
dert
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 916
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: Hex head screw removal

And,when you get them out,replace them with ALLEN heads...nice chrome ones !
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:08 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE