I hate torx head bolts!!!!!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
If you use the correct size Torx there is usually no issue. I have found that it is important to buy quality Torx tools. The cheap chit is not what you want. Even if you have quality Torx bits, it's easy to use one size too small. I have been guilty of that. I believe this to be what most guys are doing that are having trouble stripping out heads. Always try the next size up to see if it will fit. You will be surprised that many times....it does!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
They also have chrome Allen button-head bolts at $2 each.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
Torx are not all bad, must make sure of good fit with a known good tool.
No more torque than required, just be careful.
Original design was to assist in assembly, fastener tends to stay on tool easier on the line. Quality tool is critical - for example, also watch out for cheap allen wrench that comes with accessories for your bike, poor metal rounds off. Often the fastener is cheap metal too.
Sorry to hear about the hassle working on the bike.
No more torque than required, just be careful.
Original design was to assist in assembly, fastener tends to stay on tool easier on the line. Quality tool is critical - for example, also watch out for cheap allen wrench that comes with accessories for your bike, poor metal rounds off. Often the fastener is cheap metal too.
Sorry to hear about the hassle working on the bike.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 811
Likes: 53
From: Emmett, Idaho
Aside from what others have said about making sure to use the T-27 et cetera, I believe most of the people having trouble (with the derby and inspection covers especially) are the ones who do not use a torque wrench to achieve the factory-specified torque. Same goes for those whose brake fluid reservoirs leak. Too much tightening.
With little screws people just go ahead and tighten by feel. I always use blue threadlocker on all these little screws too and with the T-27 head I never have trouble removing the screws, at least not so far. Get a decent torque wrench, use it properly, take care of it properly, and these problems likely will go away.
Also, with "used" screws it is always best to shoot for the lower end of the torque range. You can always tighten them further if necessary. Additionally, although you want your oil warm to drain it, you do not want to put the screws back in until the primary case is cool.
My 2-cents worth.
With little screws people just go ahead and tighten by feel. I always use blue threadlocker on all these little screws too and with the T-27 head I never have trouble removing the screws, at least not so far. Get a decent torque wrench, use it properly, take care of it properly, and these problems likely will go away.
Also, with "used" screws it is always best to shoot for the lower end of the torque range. You can always tighten them further if necessary. Additionally, although you want your oil warm to drain it, you do not want to put the screws back in until the primary case is cool.
My 2-cents worth.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I know this sounds stupid, but I just replace the torx screws when I do the service. I'm saving so much by doing it myself, it's really no big deal. It's worth it to have a no drama service.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
Tip.. Put T27 socket on an extension and give extension a nice rap with a hammer to send a shock thru the bolt. Then if you have a 1/4 inch impact gun use it. If not give an abrupt loosen jolt to the torx bolt . Don't make mistake of using t25 .....then your gonna strip out the head and another ballgame begins.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 48
From: Eastern N.C.
Kroozeabout.