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Help an idiot please!

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1.9K views 12 replies 9 participants last post by  netexasdude  
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#1 ·
Hi, I stupidly managed to damage the thread on a windshield bolt through overtightening.
Now I'm unable to remove the bolt, it just spins and gets hot!
Any ideas to get this bolt out?
Thanks.
Image
 
#6 ·
You might try putting a pick or small screwdriver behind the head of the bolt so you can apply upward pressure while slowly turning the screw. You may be able to get some friction on the face of the well nut and get some turns on the bolt? You might also be able to use a Dremel to carefully cut the bolt head off. Once you get the windshield off, you may have an easier time getting behind to remove the nut.
 
E
#9 ·
Bacchus said:
Thank you fellas, I have tried to apply some upward pressure while turning but no go. As
Bacchus said:
Thank you fellas, I have tried to apply some upward pressure while turning but no go. As you said, it's impossible to get behind it as the windshield is still in place. I guess I'll have to drill it out.
One moment of carelessness and a whole host of trouble.
Click to expand...
you said, it's impossible to get behind it as the windshield is still in place. I guess I'll have to drill it out.
One moment of carelessness and a whole host of trouble.
Click to expand...
If possible vis grip may help. I can't stand torx
Bacchus said:
Thank you fellas, I have tried to apply some upward pressure while turning but no go. As you said, it's impossible to get behind it as the windshield is still in place. I guess I'll have to drill it out.
One moment of carelessness and a whole host of trouble.
Click to expand...
The drill bit will self center on the torx fastener .Just go in steps. For the record I can't stand torx.
 
#10 ·
I've seen this problem on my bike. The dealer cross threaded it.

Take all of the other screws out, then just spin the damaged one with a drill while gently pulling upward on the windshield. The press in nut will essentially melt itself out. Once out, hold it with pliers or a vice and force the bolt out. Of course, the right thing to do now is replace the plastic windshield arm and the bolt. Instead, I re-tapped it and pressed it back into its hole with a coating of JB Weld on the outside (careful to not get any in my fresh threads).. I got new bolts from Mcmaster Carr.. Alternatively, you could put a nut on the back instead. But mine looks great and has held up for two years and several windshield swaps.
 
#13 ·
[
post: 17115, member: 3685"]
Hi, I stupidly managed to damage the thread on a windshield bolt through overtightening.
Now I'm unable to remove the bolt, it just spins and gets hot!
Any ideas to get this bolt out?
Thanks. View attachment 5600
[/QUOTE]
Actually it should be simple, if you have a hot glue gun hot glue your torx or Allen wrench on the screw head, let it cool and then slight pressure pulling backwards while you unscrew it.
I don't have my bike in front of me you might can take the short end of an Allen wrench and push while you try to unscrew.
Hope this helps.
 
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