chain ring bolts

[fm1]

well so mine need replacing, the current state in which it is is making it difficult for me to replace the chain rings as I cant remove the bolts. the are already stripped, it is allen key bolts, the threads are worn.

 

i believe i can just drill them out. but now is it possible to go to a bolt shop and get universal type bolts to replace the current failed ones, or must i go buy chain ring bolts at a bike shop.

[Pipsqueak]

Ah. Welcome to my world.

 

If they're alloy or ali bolts then just drill them out. They're quite soft. If they're stainless, like the shimano ones then it's a lot harder and you'll probably need help.

 

But if you can drill them out you'll need to buy a new set from a bike shop. Many bike shops don't have these, so phone around. KCNC are the easiest to get usually. Then, before you buy them, make sure they're the right length. If you have a triple crank then they need to be long enough. If you have a double, they need to be short enough to bite without any wiggle. If you, like me, keep putting single rings on and off, they'll need to be very short.

 

When you put new ones in, use locktite or something like that, because they strip really easily, and because they're such an extreme point of force on a bike they loosen really easily too.