Bicycle Mechanics - How to Stop Rust in Hex Nuts?

Hey Gang:

How do I keep rust out of various hex head bolts? (chain ring screws, brake pad bolts, stem bolts, etc.) Thanks for any help.

Use titanium -

I have not had a problem with chainring bolts, but on my stem, when tightening, I put a little grease on the end of the Allen key and that seems to do the trick.

Trekker, I do this. Buy some silicone sealant, the stuff you use in bathrooms to make a waterproof seal between joins. If you are US located it might be called something different?

Fill the allen or other bolt holes with it. It's good enough to keep water out, and soft enough to dig out with a nail when you want to remove the bolt. Of course, this might not work if the bolt is subject to potential scraping or anything else that might dislodge the plug. But for non-stress usage it's never let me down.

HTH

Ti bolts can be a bit expensive and should not be used in some places because they are weaker then steel.
Start with stainless steel allen bolts. I find that a coat of wax (spray on furniture polish, car wax) attracts less dirt than grease

Clear nailpolish works well. You should only apply a thin coat as build up will essentially decrease the diameter. I've found nail polish is weak enough that'll it'll flake off after you use a tool on it, and must be reapplied.

This method works best on bolts that once tightened are left alone, i.e. chainring bolts, brake mounts, front derailleur clamp...etc.

The polish tends to build up too much in areas where you're constantly working on. i.e. stem bolts, seatpost clamps, derailleur cable fixing bolts...etc.

Remember, light coats. Only enough to protect from the elements.

L8R

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
Clear nailpolish works well. You should only apply a thin coat as build up will essentially decrease the diameter. I've found nail polish is weak enough that'll it'll flake off after you use a tool on it, and must be reapplied.

This method works best on bolts that once tightened are left alone, i.e. chainring bolts, brake mounts, front derailleur clamp...etc.

The polish tends to build up too much in areas where you're constantly working on. i.e. stem bolts, seatpost clamps, derailleur cable fixing bolts...etc.

Remember, light coats. Only enough to protect from the elements.

L8R I was going to say the same thing only use a darker color so you can where you've applied it. I've got a good supply of black so that's what I use. BTW a little nail polish remover on a Q-tip will solve that build-up problem.:D

Duh, I never thought of stealing some of my wife's nail polish REMOVER. Man I can be an idiot sometimes!:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Originally posted by trekker
How do I keep rust out of various hex head bolts?
Is it really a problem, or just a cosmetic issue? Mine develop a thin layer of rust, but it's never gotten to the point that it would have a structural impact.

Ok since nobody has said this.....all I do is shoot a little chain lube in the bolts, the lube hardens up a bit and prevents rust....Works great.

trekker; Many good ideas on the issue thus far, however several may be somewhat ephemeral (believe me, I’ve tried them before). Having recently overhauled and restored a number of vintage road machines, all of which had really ugly chain ring fasteners I found a product that cleans them out in a wink: The DREMIEL 443 Carbon Steel Brush attachment for electric drills (Home Depot $2.89) This clever little wire brush removes the oxidation in seconds (forget the steel wool, this is technology at it’s best).

To insure the owner doesn't ever have to deal with this rust issue again, I follow the methodology given by David Jacobs, in his publication (Ultimate Motorcycle Detailing) After removing existing rust use cotton swabs dipped in paint thinner to prep the surface, Next use a blast of compressed air to assure the solvent is gone (RadioShack Dust Remover Spray works well). Now apply bright silver Rust-oleum paint with a fine artist’s paintbrush and your good to go.

Cosmetic? Yes, but if you have ever worked in the automobile industry (I have) then you’re keenly aware what the net effect of cosmetics is upon perceived worth (be what it may).