Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the March Giveaway: Coming Soon


Awkward bolts!
#1
Been trying to remove the cranks in order to replace the bottom bracket, after much effort I managed to remove one side, however despite being careful the thread inside the other one has 'rounded-out', meaning the allen key just spins round. There's not much room to drill a bigger hole or anything like that, but I can't figure out how to remove the darn thing now. Any ideas?
Cheers
Return of the Mech
  Reply
#2
Photos would be a big help here.

I think you are trying to remove the crank bolt , that's the only allen head I can visualize.
Never Give Up!!!
  Reply
#3
Yes that's right - I'll aim to post some photos shortly
Return of the Mech
  Reply
#4
[attachment=4256][attachment=4257]
Return of the Mech
  Reply
#5
Cannot tell too much from photos but at least we know what bolt you are talking about. Spray some good penetrating oil in there , do not know where you are so do not know brands, put bicycle on side and let the bolt soak overnight.
There are abrasive compounds you can put into the bolt head and that would help the allen wrench grab. Otherwise you can use a small sharp cold chisel maybe even a screwdriver that fits tightly and need to be forced in with taps from hammer than grab that with a wrench or pliers and try that. You do have a crank puller?
Once the bolt is mangled its pretty much a destracto job to get it out.

You could also drill the head off if the above fails. Just drill straight in till the head can be collapsed. You can use progressively bigger drill bits.Not fun...
Never Give Up!!!
  Reply
#6
Use a big bolt extractor... Use a Vise-Grip with it...

http://m4.uxcell.com/photo_new/20080929/c/ux_a08092900ux0077_ux_c.jpg
  Reply
#7
(06-17-2013, 07:55 PM)bobtravers Wrote:  Use a big bolt extractor... Use a Vise-Grip with it...

http://m4.uxcell.com/photo_new/20080929/c/ux_a08092900ux0077_ux_c.jpg

Yes easy out will work too, if you have a set . You first need to drill a center hole screw easy out in clockwise and unscrew bolt CCW. They are very hard therefore easy to break . No side forces.

Since you have the other bolt out that would give you an idea of how big an easy out you need. Smaller than the bolt.
Never Give Up!!!
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
7,427
10-07-2012, 11:00 AM
Last Post: Bill
 
10,756
12-30-2009, 07:11 PM
Last Post: DaveM

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
2010 Specialized Hardrock
Yesterday 07:02 PM
Why do spokes break?
Yesterday 02:34 PM
Vilano Warning
Yesterday 02:13 PM
Scram Force Front Derailleur
Yesterday 01:55 PM
Hello from Connecticut USA
03-17-2024 02:57 AM
Bicycle Touring and Camping
03-17-2024 02:48 AM
New hip fracture, looking for some words...
03-17-2024 02:44 AM
Upgrading The Vilano Diverse 3.0 DriveTr...
03-16-2024 12:21 PM
Lectric One
03-15-2024 07:19 PM
PAS Level 4 and 5
03-15-2024 07:16 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. meamoantonio
23 posts
no avatar 2. GirishH
19 posts
no avatar 3. ichitan
18 posts
no avatar 4. ReapThaWhirlwind
18 posts
no avatar 5. Painkiller
17 posts