stripped bolt

[una-velocidad]

I've got a big problem. I need to replace my BB, and I can't get my crank (drive side) off because the crank bolt is stripped. Whoever tightened it, well, tightened it too tight. What can I do? This is the stupidest thing that has ever happened to me (bike related).

[SeaWolf]

I'd say there's no shame in taking it to a bike shop...

[Janeva]

una-velocidad,

I had quite a bit of trouble with a Cannondale frame, recently. . . first there was clear coat in the treads. . . I took it to a shop and had them re-tap the BB. The worker at the shop re-tapped it alright. . . first with Italian threading then with English threads! I thought the frame was ruined. . . .then I took it to the Cannondale approved shop, and they were able to tap it once again, and all is well.

A lot of the bike geeks around my city thought the frame could not be salvageable. . . you just have to find the right person to help you out.

What kind of bike do you have? Maybe I can ask the people that were able to help me?

Good Luck!

Janeva

[una-velocidad]

Originally posted by Janeva
una-velocidad,

I had quite a bit of trouble with a Cannondale frame, recently. . . first there was clear coat in the treads. . . I took it to a shop and had them re-tap the BB. The worker at the shop re-tapped it alright. . . first with Italian threading then with English threads! I thought the frame was ruined. . . .then I took it to the Cannondale approved shop, and they were able to tap it once again, and all is well.

A lot of the bike geeks around my city thought the frame could not be salvageable. . . you just have to find the right person to help you out.

What kind of bike do you have? Maybe I can ask the people that were able to help me?

Good Luck!

Janeva


Well, what I mean is that the allen wrench hole is not hexagonal anymore. Truvativ Stylo crank mated to a Race Face BB. I think there is some kind of tool that you drill into the center of the bolt to extract it. Can't find one though.

[SeaWolf]

Do you mean a crank puller? That's only for certain cranks.

[wooglin-at-home]

Originally posted by una-velocidad



I think there is some kind of tool that you drill into the center of the bolt to extract it. Can't find one though.

Bob Vila does adds for one, so try Sears. If that falls through, cut a big slot in the bolt head with a dremel tool, then try backing it out with a big screwdriver. One with a square shaft will let you get an adjustable cresent wrench on it for the leverage you'll need.

[una-velocidad]

Originally posted by SeaWolf
Do you mean a crank puller? That's only for certain cranks.

Don't take this too personal, but your starting to get on my nerves. NO, I don't mean a crank extractor, the crank bolt has to come out before I can use a crank extractor. That's the problem you see, my bolt is fuct and I need to get it out. Then I will use a crank extractor if I have to. Sorry, had a bad day.

[una-velocidad]

Originally posted by wooglin-at-home


Bob Vila does adds for one, so try Sears. If that falls through, cut a big slot in the bolt head with a dremel tool, then try backing it out with a big screwdriver. One with a square shaft will let you get an adjustable cresent wrench on it for the leverage you'll need.

Thank's good idea.

[jpascik]

You need to get a screw extractor which normally goes in a hole you drill in a broken bolt. If I understand you correctly the allen bolt is rounded out internally, essentially leaving a hole already. Before using the extractor you might want to use a soft mallet to bang the crank arm
on to the spindle to relieve the bolt a little. I have done this several times and with a little patience, it works. Do a search on Google or something for "screw extractor' and see what they are like.

[The Gordo]

You can go to any hardware store, (I'd stay away from the Church Falls Home Depot!) and buy a set of bolt extractors. You drill a hole in the bolt that is stuck and drive the reverse threaded extractor into the hole and the bolt will magically unthread. This is how we'll do it in the bike shop.

If that doesn't work, follow this process:

1) Drink pint of luxurious dark beer.
2) Hit bike with hammer.
3) Curse loud and maniacally.
4) Shake fist at bike.
5) Repeat process.

Good Luck:

[hairygrump]

Originally posted by The Gordo
4) Shake fist at bike.
5) Repeat process.
until I you or the bike lose consciousness. Whichever comes first.