What key do I need for this bolt

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xomuz
Posts: 2
Joined: 21 Jan 2022, 12:38am

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by xomuz »

Thank you for all your replies!
I would like to add that this is a brand new bike and both allen key and torx key unscrewing it but it is not a confident grip
It's quite shocking that brand new bike comes with damaged screw cap
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gaz
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Joined: 9 Mar 2007, 12:09pm
Location: Kent

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by gaz »

xomuz wrote: 21 Jan 2022, 8:26pm... this is a brand new bike ...
Which will ideally mean that this is an issue for the retailer to deal with.
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Tompsk
Posts: 195
Joined: 6 Nov 2014, 9:35am

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by Tompsk »

Another option would be a small pair of stilsons. They grip harder as you apply more torque, where mole grips tend to apply the same grip as you twist them. The stilsons will serate the outer of the bolt head, but it needs throwing away anyway. One issue can be having enough access to the head of the bolt.

Found these which may be suitable (not cheap, but good tools never are)
https://www.screwfix.com/p/irwin-record ... h-10/1279k

edit: add link
Last edited by Tompsk on 22 Jan 2022, 4:41pm, edited 1 time in total.
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NATURAL ANKLING
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Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by NATURAL ANKLING »

Hi,
Irwin vice grips, 5WR.
Whatever you do don't buy any other brands!
The rubber grip handles make them more comfortable to use though not a necessity.
This jaw shape is the most useful.
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drossall
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Location: North Hertfordshire

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by drossall »

UpWrong wrote: 21 Jan 2022, 9:37am I have used this successfully https://www.screwfix.com/p/screw-bolt-e ... eces/2951v
I've used these with success in similar situations. Really easy solution. Definitely worth a try.
hufty
Posts: 571
Joined: 28 Jan 2011, 7:24pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by hufty »

Yet another useful tool might be a pair of Neji-saurus screw extracting pliers
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000W9IV82
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NBSVYOY
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hemo
Posts: 1438
Joined: 16 Nov 2017, 5:40pm
Location: West Sussex

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by hemo »

Now we know it's a new bike, then take it back under warranty to get sorted.
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foxyrider
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Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by foxyrider »

hemo wrote: 22 Jan 2022, 12:54pm Now we know it's a new bike, then take it back under warranty to get sorted.
+1
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Jupestar
Posts: 920
Joined: 29 Feb 2020, 3:03pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by Jupestar »

If it’s under warranty and that bolt is going into the frame (flat mount?). I’d definitely want to be 100% the threads in the frame are not damaged as well.

Definitely a job for the warranty.
thirdcrank
Posts: 36776
Joined: 9 Jan 2007, 2:44pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by thirdcrank »

Just a note on lingo. A warranty is a loose term usually referring to what the manufacturer advertises (often with a tiny proviso saying it doesn't affect your statutory rights.) A bike shop may try to say that the issue is between you and the manufacturer and in some cases, a decent response from the manufacturer may be great but those unaffected statutory rights are against the vendor if you bought it new recently. The longer you have had it, the harder it may be to prove it was delivered like that.
pwa
Posts: 17371
Joined: 2 Oct 2011, 8:55pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by pwa »

Whatever it was, it looks mangled and having the right tool may no longer help. If it has to come out, it may need the filing of two parallel flats so that a small adjustable spanner can get a grip on it.
gom
Posts: 66
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Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by gom »

pwa wrote: 23 Jan 2022, 4:58am Whatever it was, it looks mangled and having the right tool may no longer help. If it has to come out, it may need the filing of two parallel flats so that a small adjustable spanner can get a grip on it.
This worked for me a few months ago. The bottom bolts fixing the rear rack had been there for the lifetime of the bike, about 10 years. Using a hex key had just damaged the bolt head. After using WD40 and penetrating oil, I tired this method. It worked a charm.
Pebble
Posts: 1934
Joined: 7 Jun 2020, 11:59pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by Pebble »

if its well and truly jammed, and the warranty says NO, mole grips, hack-sawing a slot, filling flats have have all failed, and you have to resort to the 'screw extractors' get some left hand twist drills for the pilot hole, it makes a huge difference, may very well come out while drilling the hole.
Cyckelgalen
Posts: 221
Joined: 21 Sep 2018, 11:29am

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by Cyckelgalen »

I would use vice grips or any tool that you can apply around the head rather than cutting a slot and use a screwdriver. Cutting a slot, depending on the quality of the material, may weaken and the bolt head resulting in bits braking off and an even more difficult extraction.

This bolt is far too mangled for that, but one trick that works for me with stubborn bolts like these is applying torque with the allen or torx key and, at the same time, tapping the key repeatedly with a light hammer. The vibrations help to undo the bolt without having to overdo with the key and possibly damage the head.
philvantwo
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Joined: 8 Dec 2012, 6:08pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by philvantwo »

Don't use anything from 'silverline' total garbage!
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