Removing brake pads from Clarks CPS240 holders - what size needed?

[DCLane]

An odd one this. I'm using Clarks CPS240 brake pads and it's time to change them for the extra set they send when you buy it. Or rather I need to.

However, the little holding screw for the pad doesn't seem to match anything I've got. I've asked Clarks by e-mail but they haven't got back to me.

Any ideas/experience please from users - what size should it be? Standard small hex keys are just turning in it. I've tried penetrating oil and that's not working either!

 

[siadwell]

Intrigued by your post, I've just headed to the garage to have a look at mine. The smallest allen key on my Topeak multitool (2mm?) fitted and undid the screw no problem. However, when I came to tighten it back up again, it started slipping and I could see that the key was a poor fit. The next size key up was too big.

Sorry, that's not much help is it...

 

[Rob3rt]

Try getting a flat screwdriver in.

 

[2Loose]

or grip and twist with a pair of pliers.

 

[TheDoctor]

Sure I've used a 2 mm. Or possibly 2.3, if that's on my multitool...

 

[PpPete]

I had similar problems on OBE holders recently.
Although it's an M4 thread they use the smallest cheapest button head they can get away with - a rather approximate 2 mm socket that rounds off as soon as you look at it. In fact the M4 thread on mine is rather approximate too.
To get them out you can just grip with the mole wrench, they are not that tight.
Then I bought some of these which, whilst not being as rounded and "aero" at least take a decent size (3 mm) allen key.

 

[accountantpete]

Try using the hex key that is turning ( L shaped one I presume) - put it firmly in but then angle the lever end down a bit until the head grips and then slowly turn. If using a straight hex key - insert fully and then just lean it to one side and turn slowly.

 

[DCLane]

I've had a go today at the Velocampus in Leeds, who've more tools than me.

The conclusion from them and me? Saw a line across the screw and use a flat blade screwdrive on it!

Thanks for the comments. Oddly this time nothing seemed to work.

 

[fossyant]

First job when getting new pads & holders - remove the screw, apply grease or coppaslip and re-fit - same thing has happened to me before !!

 

[Broadside]

The conclusion from them and me? Saw a line across the screw and use a flat blade screwdrive on it!

I tried that when I was trying to remove mine a few months ago and I can tell you it didn't work for me. I ended up drilling the little screw out and then did it on all the other brake pad holders on my bike.

My advice is to take the screws out when the holders are new and throw the screws in the bin! Providing you get the holders facing the right way the screws don't serve any purpose. I'm guessing the screws are there to safeguard against people mounting the holder facing the wrong way in which case the brake pad would try to creep out of the holder.