Maintenance

Tricks for getting fasteners to twist again

Getting seized bolts to twist again

While you probably struggle with email threads more than the treads on a bolt, it’s important to take care of the latter to keep your bike running properly. Those bolt threads hold many parts on your machine. They can, however, seize up. But before you wrestle with a seized bolt, let’s talk prevention.

Bolts and nuts often seize because of thread galling, which is sometimes called cold welding. Believe it or not, thread galling usually happens during installation when pressure and friction cause bolt threads to seize to the threads of the nut or within the threaded hole. So, how do we prevent this?

To avoid creating excessive heat and friction, don’t use high-speed power tools to install anything, especially stainless-steel fasteners. Also, lubricate. Anti-seize grease is your friend here. You can also use a light multi-purpose grease if you don’t have the anti-seize stuff. Even using chain lube for wet conditions is better than mating dry surfaces, but it will fade away after a few washes. You want to apply lube to cleat bolts, pedal threads, threaded bottom-bracket cups and chainring bolts. Other bolts to grease are the ones on the stem, seat clamp, crank, as well as the those mounting derailleurs. Make sure thru axles and even quick-release skewer threads get treated.

Now what do you if you have a bolt that just won’t twist, such as a cleat bolt, for example. Well, there are few things you can try. But first, use good tools. Cheap Allen keys or ones that are worn and rounded can make matters worse by rounding out the fastener head.

Use a sharp pick or razor blade to remove all the crud and dirt from where your Allen key or screwdriver comes in contact with the fastener to get the most grip with the tool. Spray the bolt with WD-40 or a good penetrating lube. I prefer Red Stallion. You have to allow it to soak in for a few minutes before getting to work. This method can be used with any stuck nut or bolt.

Another tip: hit the bolt. You’d be amazed at what a little tap can do. After letting lube soak in, get a punch or pin of appropriate size. With a hammer and the punch, give the head of the bolt a moderate tap. An automatic springloaded centre punch works great for most small fasteners on bicycles. The strike breaks up the corrosion and allows the lube to penetrate better.

You can also use heat. You have to be smart with this. A propane torch works great, but never take a flame to any carbon-fibre parts or any painted surface,