Broken bolt in stem

get a flathead screwdriver big enough fit in where the broken bit is and try turning the screw. if the fit is snug enough, it should turn

You haven't fixed this yet?

Cut it off and be done in 5 minutes.

Stems are cheap.

dremzel to the rescue.

have you sorted this yet edd?

Come on ed, the wars over now.

How would that make a difference thought? those reliable park tools one.

Metal Fatigue, drill the fcuker out or as Dwayne said cut it off and buy one from him. Where in London are you?

Drill the head off the bolt, place a rod (eg another bolt) on top of what is left of the original one and give it a good whack with a hammer. I can't see any reason why it wouldn't release the stem.

ahhh like the man said

I had the same problem. Metric allen key was spinning in the bolt. Got a set of Imperials and bashed the nearest bigger key into the bolt head. Pressure and torque equalled free stem. Still got the imperial keys if you want to give it a go.

Come on ed, the wars over now.

You ungrateful little trollop.

Anyhow I only just managed to borrow a drill today, so will be cutting it carefully tomorrow.

It''s a win win situation really, if I managed to get it off, perfectly usable stem, if not, oh well at least I can take it off.

Come on ed, the wars over now.

You ungrateful little trollop.

You guys make me laugh, specially that you're both the same age :D

I think have a spare bolt if you need it.

Dude bring it to the workshop and i will tig weld a allen key to it, fastest method.

I don't believe something this simple has cause so many problems.

I don't believe something this simple has cause so many problems.

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread9354-2.html#post542123

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread9354-2.html#post542123

lol

Anyhow I only just managed to borrow a drill today, so will be cutting it carefully tomorrow.

drill a pilot hole with a smaller drill bit then go up in stages and make sure you drill straight

make sure if you go with epoxy, to use the one tynan recommends. superglue epoxy doesn't seem to work.

make sure if you go with epoxy, to use the one tynan recommends. superglue epoxy doesn't seem to work.

Two part epoxy might do the trick, not sure how tight the bolt is though . . . . ?

I would put an Allen key into the bolt and then pack out the space left where the rest of the hex head has broken away . . . should provide enough support to turn.

You could even cut an old spare hex head up to fill the space.

Come on,Ed.What happened?

He can't come to the computer as one hand is glued to the desk the other to the stem.

or he drilled through his hand and is A+E

What you need, sir. Is a left handed drill bit.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Dormer-HSS-Metal-Drill-Bit,-Left-Hand-Drill-Bit-4mm_W0QQitemZ250470609435QQcmdZViewItem

Centre punch the bolt, drill a small hole around 1" deep, then start to try and enlarge it with a left handed drill bit. They bite in and unscrew the bolt

Two part epoxy might do the trick, not sure how tight the bolt is though . . . . ?

I would put an Allen key into the bolt and then pack out the space left where the rest of the hex head has broken away . . . should provide enough support to turn.

You could even cut an old spare hex head up to fill the space.

used a two part epoxy (superglue brand) on my rounded allen bolt, left overnight to cure. did not bond well enough. bike in shop having new headset fitted. and for shame a new bolt to replace my fucking spanner hands mistake.

It's possible to save the stem but it'll be tricky and you might be better off biting the bullet and sawing off the stem.

If you drill out the head of the stem bolt sufficient to allow the bolt to be freed you will have removed some of the stem material, you'll have to measure afterwards to find out how much you've removed as a percentage of the whole to decide if the stem can be saved.

Anyway, drill out the head of the bolt, then using a centre punch tap the bolt to break the grip of the quill, it should then be free to be pulled out.

It's probably not the sort of thing you'd attempt by hand as the broken key socket will force the drill bit off centre.

Good luck