Drilling Chainring Bolts

Ok, I've got some stuck chainring bolts; they've rusted up. Tried Penetration spray, borrowing the proper tool that fits on the inside of the cranks, but no luck. So I'm now going to have to drill the buggers off.

Does anyone have any tips to impart? One source on the internet says start with a smaller bit and gradually increase in size. I might just get the local shop to do it.

Are they alloy or steel bolts?

If they are alloy, tighten them up instead. They will sheer off almost immediately if they are stuck.

If they are steel. No idea.

You shoul be able to drill the head of the bolt off clamp the whole lot to a bit of wood and drill carefull as you don't want to drill the chainring.

Do you have the tools to do the job?

Do you have the tools to do the job?

No.

But I've got access to a drill with drill-bits for drilling metal.

And the bolts are steel. And are slightly loose. So it makes a really annoying sound when I put pressure on the pedals.

You'll need to clamp it down as the bolts may spin when you drill them. Are you going to take the crank off or drill it when it is still attached to the bike?

You need to carefully drill the mushroom head off the bolt then it should just push out.

Had the same problem. Just got it sorted out. Went to Brick Lane and a guy called Super Ted did it for me for a tenner. I saw him do that and it took quite a bit o drilling, grinding and what-have-you. He knows what he's doing, I'm telling you, and if I were to do it myself it would take a lot of sweat, swearing and maybe I would also end up with damaged spider/chainring. Got his number if you want, just PM me. His services are highly recommended.

Had the same problem. Just got it sorted out. Went to Brick Lane and a guy called Super Ted did it for me for a tenner. I saw him do that and it took quite a bit o drilling, grinding and what-have-you. He knows what he's doing, I'm telling you, and if I were to do it myself it would take a lot of sweat, swearing and maybe I would also end up with damaged spider/chainring. Got his number if you want, just PM me. His services are highly recommended.

I think this is the easiest option.

Thanks for your tips diable.

i did it the other week, took a few seconds (alloy) i drilled the from the back of the crank with my drill press, easy peasy! justs make sure you pick a drill bit thats only slightly larger than the threads and you will be fine

with my drill press, easy peasy!

Of course it's easy peasy if you have a drill press; I doubt that the question would even have been asked if the OP had one.

The problem tends to be more finding space to keep it in a small flat, rather than the modest £75 purchase cost