Front mudguard fixing screw

[Garry Booth]

One of the little screws that fixes the front mudguard onto the fork (by the drop-out) on my bike has rounded-out. In other words, the allen key can't get purchase. Any ideas on how to loosen and remove it without destroying the guard stay (or the drop-out eye)? G

[alexnharvey]

Sometimes you can jam a torx in.

[londonbikerider]

If the bolt head protrudes, can't you just use some self-locking pliers?
Or one of those easy-out reverse taps could do. I would assume the bolt wasn't done that tight.

[RickH]

I've used a file or dremelesque device to file a slot for a flat bladed screwdriver across the top of small bolt heads that have got mangled. It isn't pretty but generally works & the slot doesn't need to be too neat.

[Brucey]

you can often cut a slot in the screw head using a dremel tool or a hacksaw. There are countless ways of dealing with stuck fasteners, the best is liable to be dependant on what bits and pieces you have available as much as anything else.

cheers

[landsurfer]

As Bruce says ... hacksaw a slot in it ....

[drossall]

Or one of those easy-out reverse taps could do.

This. I've got some that are meant for an electric drill I think. However, I only have a corded drill, and it doesn't do reverse. I just use it with a socket set. Works really well.

It's one of these, but there are any number of alternatives.

[gregoryoftours]

I assume you've given the bolt a good soaking in penetrating oil first? Once you've cut a slot you can use a screwdriver, or even a screwdriver with one hand and locking pliers with other. If you can get a decent purchase with locking pliers I usually find that's the best

[Garry Booth]

Great suggestions people. Thanks very much. I shall report back on which works. (I couldn't get purchase with pliers so I will try the hacksaw next, followed by the reverse tool suggestions.) Thanks again everyone. G

[mattsccm]

Try the Torx first. If that doesn't work then the other ways are still viable. If you slot it and the slot gets chewed up you can't bung a Torx in.

[pwa]

If the bolt has a cylindrical head (rather than domed) you may have enough material to file two parallel flat surfaces that you can get an adjustable spanner on. Protect adjacent surfaces from the file with tape or something like that.