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    Is there a way to take out stripped steal bolts on the stem

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    30 Comments

    3. Tleilaxu_Gola on

      First thing I’d try is pounding a larger size Allen into and see if you can get that to turn.

      If that doesn’t work I’d try extractor bits

    4. Ch33zw4g0n on

      Use a Dremel tool to create a slot for a flat head screwdriver. WD40 the bolt if it’s stuck and replace all of those stem bolts after you get that one out. Some of the others are starting to round out too.

    6. _Dickbagel on

      Get a screw extractor and use that. Make sure you get the right size. To make sure you have the right size, take out a bolt that isn’t stripped.

    7. optimuspryma on

      I had the same thing happen with mine the first time I ever tried to take it off after a new set of bars… can confirm hacksaw is the way, but can bitch up the finish… I found drilling from the top down until the bolt head releases works too. I tried everything from soaking in oil to stripped bolt head tools.. nothing worked. Hacksaw or drill it out is the best options

    8. beanthepiggy on

      Don’t hacksaw it. Use an extractor or a slightly larger Allen key. If it’s a 6mm, try a 1/4 Allen key.

    9. TheTrackGoose on

      Torx bit. Those look like M5 hex bolts (like most bikes), look for a T40 or T45 bit. [T45 Torx socket](https://www.autozone.com/screwdrivers/driver-bit/p/duralast-3-8in-drive-t-45-torx-bit/864636_0_0)
      My T40 fits an undamaged bolt, but is too loose to work properly. A T45 may fit that better.
      Make sure you use the right tool for the job. Those bolts show the wrong sized bit being used on multiple occasions. Even USA made bikes use metric hardware. Previous owner didn’t know, and now you’re stuck fixing it.

    10. Just-Send on

      If you have torx bits, find a size you can tap into it with a hammer, then wrench it out. Works better than easy outs in my own opinion.

    11. MediocreRunner_ on

      A bolt extractor might take that out. if it doesn’t, drill out the head with a drill or slip a hacksaw in between the two pieces of the stem and cut the bolt.

    18. mcrmd on

      Last resort for me would be to drill out the head of the bolt with a metal drill bit about the same size as the threaded portion of the bolt. Then unbolt (or drill out!) the other bolts so you can take off the stem. Then I’d remove what is left of the bolt with vise grip pliers, or a flathead screwdriver after cutting a slot with a hacksaw or dremel cutting wheel. Then you need to replace the bolts and make sure you use a quality hex wrench that is the correct size and not too loose.

    19. Educational-Ear-3136 on

      Plenty of good suggestions here. However you get it out, apply anti seize to the threads and source some quality bolts to make sure this doesn’t happen again

    21. tecnic1 on

      Start with a 1/4 hex key. You might have to beat it in with a hammer.

      If that doesn’t work, start with a proper extractor. They make extractors specifically for stripped out hex socket caps.

      As an absolute last resort, drill it. Use a 1/4 bit, and you’re only trying to detach the head from the body of the screw, so go slow. Once the head is separated, you’ll have to get the rest out with some vice grips.

      Don’t go near that shit with a Dremel or torx. The Dremel is just gonna eat your stem, and if you break a torx bit off and it gets stuck, it’s really hard to drill.

      Source: I’m a mechanical engineer who has written procedures to do shit like this on nuclear powered ships, and done a lot of this shit myself.

    23. Pleasant-Ad-9721 on

      Hammer a t drive into it that’s slightly bigger. Sacrifice the drive but you should be able to get it out. Obviously be careful to not cause further damage, I might recommend a dead blow hammer.

    25. matt-10611 on

      Are the other 3 bolts stripped? They don’t appear to be. Take out the 3 good ones first, the bad one may wind out by hand

    26. nocrashing on

      First take the other 3 bolts out. This might release tension on the last bolt.
      If this fails

      Take the stem off the bike. Put it in a vise. Brace it so it can’t slide down.

      Get a sharp center punch. Hit the bolt in six places, around the middle of each flat. What you’re trying to do is move metal back to the middle and sort of reform the hex. You’ll be working around the handlebars so it may be worth it to go buy a really long punch.

      Get a hex socket that fits tight. Knock that in with a hammer. Then try to take the bolt out.

      If this doesn’t work you can try more violent methods such as drilling etc

    28. FluffyShop4313 on

      Have you loosened the others first which may make that a little less tight too , all of the advice is good , if it’s so tight and nothing works , how good are you with a drill , start with a small drill bit on the underside , and drill the bolt out

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