Stripped thread for allen key +k

ataraxia

ataraxia

Member
I recently got a pair of GC formula 1 frames for my rollerblades and within the first couple hours of skating them, I over tightened one of the bolts that holds the front wheel in place. I tried to change the front wheel and ended up stripping the hexagon shaped allen key hole. I really dont want another pay for another pair of frames and im wondering if anyone can help me out here.
 
go to the hardware store and get a thing called an easy out. It's a type of drill bit (best way i can think to describe it) that you'll drill in to the center of the bolt and then you reverse it and bolt unscrews like it should. It'll take 5 minutes.
 
did you really manage to strip it that badly? if so, try brinigng it to a metal shop, bike shop, etc. somewhere that has experienced people. that or take a metal saw and cut the "axle" between the bearing and the frame.

if i were you, i would make sure you have the right size allen key, then hammer it in nice and snug in the stripped area, and slowly/cautiously, try and take it off. patience and time should do the trick.
 
worse comes to worse you could always just drill it out... take a smaller diameter drill bit and drill right through the middle, be careful though, use this as a last resort
 
This is good advice. A hammer and a perfectly sized allen wrench will do the trick.

If you choose to have the axle destroyed, be sure that you can get your hands on a replacement, so you don't find yourself axle-less for any amount of time.
 
Ditto to whoever said drill the center of the screw out and twist it out with pliers.

Worked with boat repairs, even taking stripped bolts out of laptop hard drives.

Just don't drill through your finger.
 
this.

make sure you're not using a shitty allen key though. go and buy yourself a decent set. You can also use different shaped drives, like the star patterened security bits, as sometimes they'll dig in better when hammering it in. even taking a nail punch and giving the bolt a solid tap can sometimes be enough to loosen the bolt enough to get your allen key to grip.

an easyout is good, but shouldn't be your first option. you can stuff things up more using an easy out.

also give it a good spray with some anti sieze lube. CRC or Wd40 or something similar.

If you've got the tool to do it cutting a slot can be worth a try also.
 
there some advice on here that WILL work, BUT, i wouldnt reconmend hammering any tools, its just a good way to fuck them up, even if they are warrentied tools, youll still have to make a trip to the store to get them replaced if they are spun out and fucked from hammering. just my 2 cents
 
If you started with a metric sized and stripped that hex out, try slipping a SAE in there. An SAE size allen key is just SLIGHTLY larger and may be snug enough to work to loosen the bolt.
 
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