Idiot <---- Me - size 5 allen key - Sheared the head!

[hammer5]

All i had to do was remove two bolts with a size 5 allen key and replace them with two new ones from the brand new windscreen i bought, simple huh?

(not sure if you can swear here so i will refrain).

JHChrist...........

The first one came out with a struggle but it came out, the second, altogether different story allen key in place and snap the key rounded the head, i tried the next largest allen key that rounded the head even further, so now i am stuck with a rounded hole in the head of the bolt........

My options - to try tomorrow when I'm calm;

1. Knock a cross into the head and try to remove.

2. cut a notch then with the help of a hammer and flat head, smack it

3. Drill it out and re tap the hole - never done it so bit weary

4. Drive it to the bike shop and let them do it.

I'm not an idiot when it comes to DIY, i know a job is easier with the right tools but i assumed (hmm) the right sized allen key would suffice..............

Any thoughts to get this bolt out?

BB

[Guest]

You can swear .. the filters will * any naughty stuff ..

But you can convey your frustration without cursing .... so ....

Screen bolts you say? Metal ones?

If you are leaving it til tomorrow, bit of penetrating fluid or WD40 overnight, maybe try a torx bit tomorrow before you try your other options?

[Stu]

also screen bolts are made out of cheese your not the first and certainly wont be the last

[hammer5]

I have loads of torx bits but they just rounded the head even further, i should of took a photo so you can see and understand more clearly.

The bolts hold the headlight into the main frame, they are a light silver/grey colour, very very light indeed, if that's any help

BB

[Guest]

looks like you'll be cutting a notch or something then ...

penetrating fluid should help though ....

[Roadtorque]

A hammer & smack it ,,,, sounds like a good name for a pub

get a small bit & drill down the centre of the bolt, then use a small easy out, should do the job, no need to smack anything

[satnavsatnav]

as said penetrating oil over night old phillips screwdriver tap it in (must be tight) that should do it

[hammer5]

A hammer & smack it ,,,, sounds like a good name for a pub

get a small bit & drill down the centre of the bolt, then use a small easy out, should do the job, no need to smack anything

 

Do they sell these 'easy out' things at B&Q? I'm thinking i can nip there now in the car?

BB

[bex]

as dan said, your not the first lol. i ended up drilling, they are made of light metal which also means that if they bind like yours has they become a nightmare. defo on the WD40 overnight, that will help. then try cutting a slot, if not drill time.

good luck mate

[hammer5]

I just bought a set of titanium drill bits size 2mm and upwards for £18.00 - on the way home i sprayed copious amounts of WD40 on top and on the side ready for the morning. fingers crossed i won't need to drill.

Thanks all for the advice, i feel like a novice.!

BB

[Guest]

flat head screwdriver and a hammer. make sure the head of the screwdriver is similar size to the allen, and smack it in, then turn, used this method with reservoir cap bolts, always worked.

[hammer5]

Well the 1/2 can of WD40 last night and cutting enough of the head to get a good strong flat head in and a good twist forced the bolt out!

Excellent news, now the windscreen is on, looks slightly off angle by about 3mm (hate OCD) i can return the £18 worth of titanium drill bits and i can relax for an hour or two!

Thanks for the hints people, very much appreciated.

BB

PS: In my peeved off state yesterday i wheeled the bike back and ahem forgot about the wheel lock, it's cracked the front wheel mudgard/fairing, it's got a hairline fracture/crack - so a little extra strong glue should suffice. All fun in owning a new toy!!

Once again thanks all..