Edit: Got it! Spun the stem after getting it's bolts loose, job's a goodun. Thanks all for your help ✊ <3.
Trying to change the stem on a BMX and then I realised the top bolt is in pretty bad shape… It's so round where the hex should be it looks like it might even have been drilled. Any suggestions?
I tried tapping in a torx bit but no joy.
(Edit: accuracy)
by St_mpy
11 Comments
You mean you tried a torx bit? You could trying to super glue a bit into it, or use an easy out
Search on youtube. Bunch of videos on how to deal with that kind of stuff. Good luck!
Have you opened the side screws? It can remove the tension from top cap.
Cut a slot in it with a dremmel? That or get a set of ez outs and remember not to use them in the drill like a lot of goofs.
i’ve had luck with extractor like matador screwit, it digs in and you just twist and hit with a hammer.
[https://www.matador.de/en/Products/ScrewIT/](https://www.matador.de/en/Products/ScrewIT/)
Hi.
1. Don’t use any superglue “solutions” it’s BS. I tried once, learn from my mistake. Doesn’t help muh, but makes everything messy.
2. For hard screws (side screws for example in Your case) it is useful to use multiple frequent small hits on the tool You use for unscrewing. At point where You apply force. What I mean here, not one application of maximum force (like bodyweight), but many frequent taps can work for You. And less chance to snap Your tool, whatever You use.
The good news is that there isn’t anything here that you can’t fix with a drill and a hammer.
The side bolts thing is your best bet, loosen them fully and the top cap usually just lifts right off without needing to fight that stripped bolt.
Team effort, thanks all🏅
https://preview.redd.it/pwz6rqm75geh1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=968e9c0861341b1000d2189bc3aba407619b20da
https://preview.redd.it/qv2hsfq89geh1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=85ae831b5db89b854ca877c1c39968f84c24f9ae
Jb weld is the brand. It’s an epoxy that is commonly used for household and automotive repairs. It can join dissimilar metals, plastics etc. it sets up pretty quick and should hold strong enough to break the bolt loose. The Alan key and bike will be forever joined but replacing both are cheap.