Removing stuck or overly tightened allen bolts

[Elektrey]

I had some allen bolts in my CVT case that were impossible to get out with an allen key. I found a nifty solution for something I had and maybe something others have so I thought I would share it.

Basically its this IKEA tool

It was about $3 at IKEA.

I took it, put all the tools inside except the allen key. Rotated the allen key to be perpendicular to the tool. Then I tightened down the screws so none of the tools could move. Tighten very hard. Then, with a good grip on the whole thing I was able to loosen the allen bolts pretty easily.

Now They probably sell allen keys with a stronger base with more grip or some other tool more suited for this but if you live near an ikea it may be worth it to pick one of these things up next time your in there. they are pretty cheap and useful for other things.

[katastroff]

Nice find!!!

[90GTVert]

You can get fold out tools like that which have nothing but allen keys. The sockets come in handy as well.

www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-3-folding-star-bit-and-sae-metric-hex-keys-94905.html

www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-38-and-12-drive-metric-hex-bit-socket-set-67880-html.html

[Nokatay]

I carry a pencil case with enough tools to take the whole bike apart, including one of those folding allen key sets under the seat.

[FrankenMech]

Steel bolts threaded into aluminum can be a nightmare due to corrosion. It may help to strike the fastener a few times with a hammer using a regular hex key held with a pair of pliers or a socket style hex driver.

Always use anti-seize on steel fasteners in aluminum. You can purchase crayon type sticks of anti-seize at some parts stores. They can get kind of messy so some sort of container for them should be made out of tubing.

[Elektrey]

Yes, I just removed my intake and the hex bolts were stuck so I put a key in it and hit them with a mallet, freed it up after a little bit.