Help! Crossed thread and hex bolt snapped

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Buck

Guru
Location
Yorkshire
Hi

I feel such a numpty :sad:

I was fastening the water bottle hex bolt on the down tube today and I must have cross threaded it.

Anyway, I unscrewed it and the thing snapped leaving around 5mm still in the frame!

I know I can buy a new bolt but can anyone offer any advise on how I can get the remaining bit out and will I need to do something re the thread in the frame for it to accept a new bolt?

thanks
 

Peteaud

Veteran
Location
South Somerset
I would think the bit left is in tight, so the only answer i can think of is to drill it out, and re tap the thread.
 

Peteaud

Veteran
Location
South Somerset
Thanks. Do you think a LBS might be able to help?

I should think so.

I am guessing its an ally frame, did you use a steel or stainless bolt?

Its "just" a case of either drilling a small hole thro and using a stud extractor or drilling it so you can "winkle" the remains out.
 

Little yellow Brompton

A dark destroyer of biscuits!
Location
Bridgend
Hi

I feel such a numpty :sad:

I was fastening the water bottle hex bolt on the down tube today and I must have cross threaded it.

Anyway, I unscrewed it and the thing snapped leaving around 5mm still in the frame!

I know I can buy a new bolt but can anyone offer any advise on how I can get the remaining bit out and will I need to do something re the thread in the frame for it to accept a new bolt?

thanks
Centre drill the bolt and use an easyout , then re tap the insert.
 
Thanks. Do you think a LBS might be able to help?

This would probably be the cheapest option if you don't have the right tools... They'd probably do it for a tenner.
 

Night Train

Maker of Things
The thread is probably a rivnut, in which case you will struggle to re tap it. Just replace with a new riv nut.
This would be the easiest way, fit a new rivnut.

The only annoying thing is that the remains of the rivnut will be inside the tube and rattling about unless it can escape though the headtube or BB shell and be removed.
 

Pale Rider

Legendary Member
The 5mm of snapped hex bolt should take a nut, in which case you could mount the cage on it - if the threaded part is long enough.
 

Pale Rider

Legendary Member
Hi. The snapped piece is inside the frame. It's effectively recessed so no real access :sad:

Ah, probably best to leave it to someone who knows what they are doing.

I'm all in favour of learning to fettle by experience, but attacking an alloy bike frame with a drill is not a job for an amateur.
 
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