Rack Bolt - Round head - which tool?

[Paulq]

I recently had a rack fitted by a shop and when I have come to take it off the bike only 3 of the 4 bolts holding it to the bike are the allen key type that you can remove with a multi-tool.

The 4th one is the same length as the others bit is fitted into one of the recessed lugs on the rack. The 'hole' at the top of the bolt os not the same shape as an allen key bolt but looks to be round - anyone shed any light on what tool I need to remove it?

Thanks a lot.

 

[Paulus]

Any chance of a photo?

 

[cosmicbike]

I'd drill it and use easiouts, assuming from your description that you can't access it to hacksaw a slot in the head to enable the use of a normal screwdriver.

 

[Paulq]

Any chance of a photo?

I did try but it's so far recessed into the lug so that it's too dark to show up.

 

[Paulus]

Sounds like you may have to take Cosmic's advice and drill it out. Try just to drill the head off with say a countersink bit, and then using pliers or mole grips turn the bolt from the back to screw it out.

 

[cosmicbike]

If you don't have walkouts, then drill the centre with a 3mm drill, then screw a small self tapping screw into it. Hopefully this will screw it right out of the other side of the mounting lug.

 

[cyberknight]

Take it back to the shop !

 

[Profpointy]

it's not a torx head is it?

If so, you just need a torx screwdriver - probably T25.

 

[Paulq]

Ah now it could well be. I actually can't see far enough in but I'll try one later and see if it locates. Thanks for the idea.

 

[Pale Rider]

Another vote for a torx - my Tubus rack has them.

Worth getting a set of torx bits because they may be elsewhere on the bike - Magura disc brake callipers in my case.

 

[Profpointy]

Another vote for a torx - my Tubus rack has them.

Worth getting a set of torx bits because they may be elsewhere on the bike - Magura disc brake callipers in my case.

Annoyingly / stupidly there are several variants, which all have different screwdrivers - normal torx (as above) - a tamper proof variant where the screw has a raised pin (I'd get drivers in this pattern as they also fit normal torx), there's also a 5-point tamper proof - which I've never needed, and even a "new improved" variant which I've never seen in real life.

They're quite a common fastner on consumer electronics

I'd get a set of good quality (eg facom, bahco, gedore etc) screwdriver handled ones in 6-point "tamper proof" style and probably also a set of L-shaped (allen key shaped) ones or a fold up set. A bike multi tool may well have a T25 on it - the.most common size

 

[Pale Rider]

I have this set which has done me OK - so far.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-28727-Security-Bit-Pieces/dp/B009YFYLYI

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Ah now it could well be. I actually can't see far enough in but I'll try one later and see if it locates. Thanks for the idea.

torch? front bike light to illuminate the area?

 

[Garethgas]

I'd get rid of them and replace them with Allen bolt equivalents once and for all.
These things have no place on a bike.

 

[Profpointy]

I'd get rid of them and replace them with Allen bolt equivalents once and for all.
These things have no place on a bike.

there's nothing wrong with torx, but I'd want all torx or all allen keys.

Nasty phillips derailler adjusters, traditionally made of a metallic coloured cheese have no place and are best replaced