Bicycle Mechanics - Bike Nuts

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branmu
05-02-03, 06:43 PM
Are the the nuts on a bike special or can you get them at a hardware store. I went to the hardware store and the salesperson tried to help me fing one that matched my bike but couldn't find them, so is this just some strange problem or would I have to go to a bike store to get them. I lost a nut so I cant fasten the wheel, I have Trek.

Resident
05-02-03, 07:05 PM
Rear solid axle nut is 9.5 x 26 TPI (threads per inch). Your local bike shop should have plenty in stock.
The front axle is 9 x 26 TPI. (For the majority of bikes...)
A.troll
05-02-03, 07:18 PM
I'm a nut on a bike and I'm special. :rolleyes:

Well, somebody had to say it! :D

Inkwolf
05-02-03, 07:20 PM
You're a special nut when you're off the bike, too, Trollie! :)
Rev.Chuck
05-02-03, 07:50 PM
Axle threads can be 10x1, 10x26, 9.5x26, 9.5x24, 9x1, and a couple of 3/8s axles, I can't remembet the tpi.
The most frustrating is 10x1 versus 10x26. 10x1 is a 10mm axle with one thread per millimeter, 10x26 is a 10mm axle with 26 threads per inch. As we all know there are 25.4 millimeters in an inch. 25.4, 26, pretty close, close enough that most people stick on the wrong one, spins on easy with the fingers a bit, good sign, and then wring it on with a wrench, screwing up the threads.
So, after all that, you should take it to someone in the know, that has a thread pitch guage, and have them get you the correct nut.
supcom
05-02-03, 09:18 PM
Make sure the guy looks in the metric bins. Most hardware stores like Ace, Home Depot, etc. in the US stock a limited supply of metric hardware, usually in small boxes along with other 'unusual' parts like clevis pins and bronze bushings. You sometimes have to search around to find where they have these boxes hidden.

You could also try auto parts stores since most cars are now metric.
MichaelW
05-03-03, 05:21 AM
For axles, a "track nut" works much better than a standard nut.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_tp-z.html#tracknut
These are over-sized and have an integral washer. They are much easier to tighten, esp with a ring spanner.
Gojohnnygo.
05-03-03, 09:57 AM
Originally posted by A.troll
I'm a nut on a bike and I'm special. :rolleyes:

Well, somebody had to say it! :D :D No No A.Troll I am the only nut on a bike.