What key do I need for this bolt

For discussions about bikes and equipment.
xomuz
Posts: 2
Joined: 21 Jan 2022, 12:38am

What key do I need for this bolt

Post by xomuz »

This is one of two bolts holding hydraulic brake to the frame. It doesn't look like a normal allen key
Image
User avatar
fausto99
Posts: 952
Joined: 19 Sep 2011, 10:06am
Location: NW Kent

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by fausto99 »

xomuz wrote: 21 Jan 2022, 12:46am This is one of two bolts holding hydraulic brake to the frame. It doesn't look like a normal allen key
Image
I can't see the pic except by quoting you and picking up the url from the code. It looks like a badly mashed cap head Allen screw, but it might even be a very mashed torx screw. If you can't get a purchase on it you could try mole grips on the outside. Failing that you'll have to get it out with a left handed drill or extractor.
Jdsk
Posts: 24630
Joined: 5 Mar 2019, 5:42pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by Jdsk »

Image

Jonathan
Jdsk
Posts: 24630
Joined: 5 Mar 2019, 5:42pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by Jdsk »

Please can you add a side-on view.

If there's enough height above the bracket/whatever it might be possible to cut a slot in the head and use a big straight-tipped screwdriver.

And while you're working that out I recommend giving it a good long soak in a penetrating fluid such as PlusGas (not ordinary WD-40 or similar).

Jonathan
Jupestar
Posts: 920
Joined: 29 Feb 2020, 3:03pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by Jupestar »

Looks to me like someone has already tried to drill it out. Whatever tool it originally was
User avatar
Paulatic
Posts: 7804
Joined: 2 Feb 2014, 1:03pm
Location: 24 Hours from Lands End

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by Paulatic »

This is my go to tool for that bolt.
20E0B721-A9A5-4059-BA53-A95EA0BF57C1.jpeg
Whatever I am, wherever I am, this is me. This is my life

https://stcleve.wordpress.com/category/lejog/
E2E info
User avatar
squeaker
Posts: 4112
Joined: 12 Jan 2007, 11:43pm
Location: Sussex

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by squeaker »

fausto99 wrote: 21 Jan 2022, 8:38amIt looks like a badly mashed cap head Allen screw, but it might even be a very mashed torx screw. If you can't get a purchase on it you could try mole grips on the outside. Failing that you'll have to get it out with a left handed drill or extractor.
Most probably a mangled Torx head. Good luck with getting it out...
"42"
UpWrong
Posts: 2409
Joined: 31 May 2009, 12:16pm
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by UpWrong »

hamster
Posts: 4131
Joined: 2 Feb 2007, 12:42pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by hamster »

As it's the calliper mounting, it shold be a 6mm Allen Key.

Three approaches:
1 Mole grips around the head
2 Saw a slot and fit a flat screwdriver
3 Hammer in a Torx bit (ideally with the tips filed to a taper to ease it in)

Spray on lots of Plus-Gas first to ease it and leave for an hour. I works much better than WD40.
hemo
Posts: 1438
Joined: 16 Nov 2017, 5:40pm
Location: West Sussex

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by hemo »

I would use a pair of mole grips to lightly clamp on to it and then undo.
Jdsk
Posts: 24630
Joined: 5 Mar 2019, 5:42pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by Jdsk »

I think that's right. First choice would be a self-grip wench, and second a transverse slot if possible.

With that soaking beforehand.

Jonathan
thirdcrank
Posts: 36776
Joined: 9 Jan 2007, 2:44pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by thirdcrank »

If you are going to shell out for a tool, you may find one with tapering jaws fits best eg

Long Nose Locking Pliers

https://www.toolbank.com/0/p/VIST15T
axel_knutt
Posts: 2879
Joined: 11 Jan 2007, 12:20pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by axel_knutt »

Looks most like a Torx Plus, the tips of the splines on a Torx Paralobe look a bit too narrow, as are standard Torx.
“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
Jdsk
Posts: 24630
Joined: 5 Mar 2019, 5:42pm

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by Jdsk »

There's a very useful set of unusual bits:

Silverline 633840 Screwdriver Bit Set 100pce
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-633 ... 000QB2XDK/

Image

Jonathan
User avatar
RickH
Posts: 5832
Joined: 5 Mar 2012, 6:39pm
Location: Horwich, Lancs.

Re: What key do I need for this bolt

Post by RickH »

My guess is that it is a torx bolt that has had an allen key used on it by mistake.

I think most disc brake fixings in the last few years will have used torx bolts. The SRAM brakes on my 2016 model Kona has T25 torx bolts. but the budget-end-of-the-range Shimano brakes on my 11 year old tandem have 6mm Allen bolts.
Former member of the Cult of the Polystyrene Head Carbuncle.
Post Reply