stuck bolts

lt_kr1 · Post by **lt_kr1** » Sat Feb 06, 2010 3:48 pm

Hi all,

this is a constant source of frustration when I'm doing work on the bike...the bolts either shake off when you definitely don't want that to happen, or they are so tight I can't for the life of me get them off.
I've tried anti-corrosive and oil, to no avail. So I was wondering what everyone else's fix for this is??

Howie · Post by **Howie** » Sat Feb 06, 2010 4:05 pm

Heat is quite good but obviously not where it will cause damage! I usually end up drilling them out & re-tapping, not a quick process

When you put bolts back in, I would use copper grease for bolts that you will need to remove from time to time & thread lock for those you want to stay put!

Bikes are just a nightmare at times!

Howie

lt_kr1 · Post by **lt_kr1** » Sat Feb 06, 2010 4:12 pm

Howie wrote:Heat is quite good but obviously not where it will cause damage! I usually end up drilling them out & re-tapping, not a quick process
Howie

Been there done that. I have stopped using the heat approach, because the last time I used it, I ended up with the bolt still as stuck as ever, but managed to burn both my thumbs in the process

I have also done the drilling before, but as you mentioned, it is anything but a quick fix. I think it took me around two hours/bolt and it was really frustrating.

Sometimes it feels like the bike is trying to p*ss me off...

Howie · Post by **Howie** » Sat Feb 06, 2010 4:33 pm

Which bolts are stuck? It_Kr1.

Another tip is to try to tighten them up (don't go mad here

) then try to undo them, this sometimes works [-o<

Howie

lt_kr1 · Post by **lt_kr1** » Sat Feb 06, 2010 7:00 pm

Working on the ones securing the KIPS motor on that little 'platform' above the engine. I guess I couldn't drill those out even if I wanted to...heat may not be advisable either....
Also was trying to take off the sidestand assembly, and those bolts won't budge either. I'll try tightening them a little more, see if that helps. Thanks for the advice, it is much appreciated!

lucy

Cexley · Post by **Cexley** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 1:15 am

Try soaking them in PB Blaster Penetrating Catalyst. It is an American penetrating fluid. £3.99 on eBay.

lt_kr1 · Post by **lt_kr1** » Sun Feb 14, 2010 10:37 am

Just thought I'd let you guys know, I've finally managed to get the bolts off. It wasn't pretty though there was a lot of swearing in the final stages...
Thanks for the help guys, don't know what I'd do without this forum!
lucy

Bikemike · Post by **Bikemike** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 10:21 am

Always worth trying an impact driver, even if it doesn't work smacking it with a hammer makes you feel better

lt_kr1 · Post by **lt_kr1** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 11:58 am

Yup, the impact driver is my best friend...if it helps loosening bolts thats pretty much just an added bonus, it has become a form of therapy for me...

ScottaKR · Post by **ScottaKR** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 12:19 pm

lt_kr1 wrote:Yup, the impact driver is my best friend...if it helps loosening bolts thats pretty much just an added bonus, it has become a form of therapy for me...

That statement could be misconstrued sooooo easily.

Yes, I know..... Shame on me.

lt_kr1 · Post by **lt_kr1** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 12:23 pm

oh dear I guess I should watch what I'm saying on here...

scooble · Post by **scooble** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 12:58 pm

I always found the impact driver very satisfying for taking my frustration on those really difficult nuts

ScottaKR · Post by **ScottaKR** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 1:00 pm

Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
Perhaps my keyboard needs an alcohol interlock fitted to stop me posting after drinking.

Howie · Post by **Howie** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:15 pm

Perhaps my keyboard needs an alcohol interlock fitted to stop me posting after drinking.

Yep, mine too

Howie