[LCI_Brian]

The stoker handlebar in my 10+ year old Control Tech stoker stem is tightened by two allen bolts that screw into what I'll call "threaded ends" (see photo attached). It appears that the threaded ends were at one time glued in, but now I can't get the stoker handlebar tight enough because tightening the bolts just makes the threaded ends spin around in circles. So how can I safely secure the threaded ends into the stoker stem - super glue, epoxy, red loctite, anything else?

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[Old Hammer Boy]

Which side goes against the stem, the flat part, or the barrel (narrow) part? If it's the flat part, you may want to add a "star" type lock washer so it can grip against the stem. I think it should be friction that holds it in place, not glue. Perhaps roughing up the mating surfaces would do it. Just my $.05 (inflation).

[LCI_Brian]

The barrel part goes in until it get stopped by the wider flat part. I suppose I could put a star washer in there, but I'd have to get longer bolts.

[Old Hammer Boy]

It's possible the "nut" has stretched and spins because the flat part can't generate friction. In other words, the thin barrel part is rubbing (bottoming) before the flat, large surface can engage its surface. I've seen this with chain ring nuts that are too long. If you look at a chain ring nut, it looks similar. If you want to try this, remove (grind) some of the end of the barrel so the flat part can suck down tight. If it is already good and tight, the star washer idea may work. Good luck and let us know how it turns out. OHB

[TandemGeek]

So how can I safely secure the threaded ends into the stoker stem - super glue, epoxy, red loctite, anything else?

JB Weld is what I keep in my tool box for jobs like this....

[LCI_Brian]

I used some blue loctite for now. Seems to be holding. If that doesn't work, then I'll go with red loctite or JB Weld.