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Anyone have to drill out 6mm bolt from lower forks?

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Old Jan 16, 2013 | 10:07 AM
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Default Anyone have to drill out 6mm bolt from lower forks?
I'm removing my front forks to prep for my monotubes when they come in and the 6mm lower fork screw is so tight that I have started to strip it out. I think my next step is to drill the screw out, has anyone else had this issue before and had to drill it out? I had some free time before work today and thought I would have no probleming get the forks removed and prepped. But nooooooo, held out be a f'n screw. I was following people suggestion to loosen the screw before opening the fork cap.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2013 | 10:20 AM
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Have you tried using a hand impact before it gets stripped all the way. You could use a dremel to cut a slot in it if it's stripped and use the hand impact after that. Good luck.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2013 | 10:22 AM
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Don't have an impact and a dremel won't work because of the tight space.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2013 | 10:27 AM
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Is this the phillips head screw/bolt to drain the fork oil? If so I put a set of vice grips on mine to remove it.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2013 | 10:30 AM
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I've read about this "screw" issue before. Impact seems to be most recommend. This screw needs to be removed not with pure brut force but with more with a torgue approach that a impact provides.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2013 | 10:30 AM
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No it's not the drain plug. It's the one that goes up the middle of the fork slider to attach to the internals of the spring.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2013 | 10:31 AM
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I have on a 2000 RK I put monotubes in. Just drilled it enough to break the head off with a hammer and punch. Bought a new one to replace it with. No problem.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2013 | 10:48 AM
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The Hand Impact kit comes with quite a few accessories and is a 'must have' for the stubborn screws. The beauty is you put the proper bit in, **** it, and slam it with a hammer, wella, instant loosened screw.
I purchased mine many years ago from a Matco Jobber. Sears, Advanced Auto etc. may have them as well.
Good luck on the fork job and take your time bro.
Roger
 
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Old Jan 16, 2013 | 11:14 AM
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Had the same experience. Just drill it out.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2013 | 11:19 AM
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Cheap hand impact with long allen 3/8" drive and a hammer before pulling the top cap works everytime for me. I have done 10 sets of forks this way without a problem.
 
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