Buggered up my 3T quill stem - any ideas?

My drop handlebars kept coming somewhat loose, so after a while of regularly tightening the screw on my 3T quill stem I was on too much of a mission to sort it out today and must have overtightened it, which resulted in the screw spinning through (threading f'd I suppose). Does anyone have an idea that could prevent me from having to get a new stem, having to retape my bars etc etc?

Thanks in advance.

2 Attachments

Try uploading or finding us a pic of said stem. Then we might be able to help.

There may be enough material there for you to drill and tap new thread in for a bigger bolt.

Depending on the fitting, you could maybe drill it out and fit a larger bolt and nut.

Photos required though, yes.

Possibly tap out then helicoil?

Do you really want to piss about with a potentially fucked faceplant machine? Just buy a new stem and learn correct part tolerances.

Used quill stems are cheap and so is bar tape. Hippy is right. Chalk it up to experience.

Thanks everyone for your responses so far. Have just added a couple of snapshots I quickly took this morning, not sure how much use they will be.
I think I might just try a bigger bolt and see if it reaches some threading further in, otherwise I'll bite the bullet and replace, just couldn't face the fact that I've actually buggered this up doh

ffs, take hippy's advice

if it breaks think what will happen

how much is a new stem? how much are new teeth and or cosmetic surgery

Aluminium thread vs steel bolt........only one can win.

Replace the stem, it's the only way. The thread will be stripped and a bigger bolt will not bite unless you re-tap as well. Having someone do this will cost.....about the price of a new stem..