Advice needed

[Stephen13]

Just stripped down my first proper resto, a Peugeot equipe, but the allen key bolt for the handlebar stem is a perfect circle rather than a hexagon

So before i go and drill it out and make a mess of things does anyone have any handy tips?

be most appreciated.

 

[Kiwiavenger]

hammer a bigger sized allen key into the hole? then extract and replace the allen head

 

[Stephen13]

Tried that but might give it another go? After scraped knuckles etc i nearly got the grinder out? lol

 

[tyred]

Try with a torx driver, it will go in easier than the next size up in allen keys.

Saying that, what are you using as next size up? If it's 7mm, then it would probably be impossible but you might have luck with 1/4" or 6.5mm.

 

[accountantpete]

Unless it's a Cinelli I'd sacrifice the stem - cut round the bolt leaving as much as possible as you may need to get medieval with the thing to undo the expander.

 

[fossyant]

Good luck. What the 'barbarians' say above

 

[Andy_R]

Try a stud extractor? http://www.frost.co.uk/automotive-e...ll-outs.html?gclid=CPHHovXpza8CFYpjfAod_G5YcA

 

[tyred]

If you can't get it to unscrew any other way, drill into it with about a 3/8" drill bit using the allen key hole as a pilot hole. This will take the head of the bolt, allowing you to tap the expander down using a punch and remove the stem (assuming it isn't all seriously corroded). When you retrieve the expander wedge, you will probably find the remains of the bolt will unscrew easily now that the tension has been released. Then you can look for a long bolt with the correct thread and rescue the stem.

 

[biggs682]

Stephen13 best of luck as no matter what you do , you will still need to release the expander wedge !

 

[Stephen13]

Tyred you were spot on, torx worked a treat and bolt came straight out! but the stem is still stuck fast! some heat needed i think?

Nice one!

 

[compo]

Now you have the bolt out can you not screw it back in and just leave it proud a bit, then give it a blummin' good smack with a hammer. This should free off the wedge. You are going to have to get a new bolt anyway so it doesn't matter if you damage your existing one.

 

[Stephen13]

Yup Compo did exactly that, although it wasn't a wedge shaped wedge lol it was a round one!

Anyone got a 145mm headset bolt?

 

[youngoldbloke]

SJS cycles? I bought one ('Gripfast', 8", countersunk, allen socket) from Freemans Cycles, Norwich (online), some time ago. But can't find it listed now. I remember having quite a hard time finding one, much to my surprise.

 

[PpPete]

yes - not easy to find, SJS is probably your best bet, or your LBS "bin of assorted & obsolete parts"