Allen bolt problem

[Salad Dodger]

I have been asked to adjust the stem on Mrs Salad's bike, which has an adjustable stem.

I guess that the allen bolt on the adjustable stem is supposed to be a 5mm sized. But guess what? It's stuck in absolutely solid, despite a soak in penetrating oil, and the 5mm allen key feels rather "sloppy" in the bolt hole. I fear that it will round off the internal facets of the bolt....

Apart from maybe drilling the bolt out, is there anything else anyone can suggest for me top try first, please?

 

[jim55]

Yeah ,get a torx bit that's a bit too big and hammer it into stem bolt , this has worked for a few people

 

[jim55]

And obv after u hammer it in try and remove bolt lol,
Btw this will chew up bolt ur removing so ul prob need a new one

 

[Salad Dodger]

Thanks guys. I will give it a go.....

 

[Cycleops]

What sort of age is the bike? Do you mean the bolt that goes into the steerer tube?