I am not exactly sure how this happened, but the last time I wrecked my bike I broke a wire bottle cage. One of the screws that holds it in place broke when I tried to unscrew it.
Should I just 'screw' it the rest of the way in? Or do I need to be concerned about a tiny piece of metal rattling around my bottom bracket? Or does anyone have any idea how I could remove the whole thing without drilling into it? I just have no idea how best to proceed here…
by CuriousContemporary
16 Comments
A screw extraction kit.
How would you screw it all the way in? If you can, there are a few holes it can fall out of.
If it’s easier to screw it in, then getting that end of the bolt out of the frame should be no problem. The down tube is almost certainly open to the bottom bracket and the headtube, so you should be able to shake it out by either removing the cranks or the fork.
I would not leave it inside the frame because it will likely make noise whenever you ride on uneven surfaces.
How about super glue or JB Weld a small bolt to it, let it set up, and back it out? Would have to be pretty neat to prevent gluing it in there permanently.
Drill out the existing rivnut, and reinstall a new rivnut. Simple & easy. Trying to extract that will lead you to this eventuality… cut to the chase.
Any good bike shop can do this. Quickly, easily, inexpensively (relatively)
If you are handy, you can easily do it for the cost of a 5mm rivnut & a 5mm bolt & a couple nuts & washers…or better yet a Rivnut tool
Lots of YouTube vids show you how.
I would try to turn it with a small screwdriver or large needle/ poker. If it moves then try threading it back out. If not then I would next use a Dremel bit small and make a slot for a small screwdriver. Screw extraction sets will work if you have one.
Screwing the rest of the way in can be accomplished by drilling it with a normal right hand twist drill bit. It will probably screw in before you can drill it deep enough to use a screw extractor.
Then you have the fun task of removing the bottom or maybe the fork if it’s the downtube mount, so you can shake the frame until you get the remains out, otherwise you’ll go mad from the constant rattle from inside the frame. If it’s the seat tube mount, you only need to pull the seatpost. But that can be it’s own nightmare.
Speaking from experience: Stop right now and go to a machine shop. It’s cheaper than you’re thinking and they can have it done in like 15 minutes.
Just call the closest one to you and ask nicely. Don’t use a screw extractor, or else the machine shop can’t help you!
Plan on replacing the entire riv nut. If it’s that seized in there it broke. The threads are probably fucked or the riv nut is loose.
A screw extractor kit like the [Irwin EX-1](https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/power-tool-accessories/screw-extractors/28054) will get it out pretty easily. It comes with a left handed drill bit and the removal tool that fits the drilled hole. The offending screw may actually come out with the drill bit (had that happen a few times on stuff at work). Ace Hardware usually carries them in my experience, Home Depot and Lowes are hit or miss on these tools. They’re not too hard to use as long as you can hold a drill straight and go slow.
If you spin it all the way till it drops into the frame- you have to pull the bottom bracket/crankset assembly to get it out. Or live with the mother of all rattles for the life of the bike… The only thing it’ll hurt is your sanity.
I would also try to screw this the rest of the way in and replace the screw. I think either way you risk damaging the threads of the rivnut simply do to the depth of the screw so… whatever you do… do it carefully
I don’t know if you’ve already got it out or if someone’s already mentioned. A left-handed drill bit that is very good. Wait, it will grab it and it might actually just back it out. But I would apply a lot of heat
Drilling is your only hope, but saving the rivnut is a long shot.
Drill it out
People in here are freaking out over nothing.
Best option for pulling it out is to get a left-twist drill bit so when youre drilling the screw will back itself out. 99% chance the screw will come out while youre drilling it. If it doesnt and you get a hole in it, then use a screw extractor in the hole to finish the job.
Best option for pushing the screw into the frame is a normal twist drill. Then pull the fork off and shake the bits out of the frame.
Left handed drill bit.