Bicycle Mechanics - Tired of rusted screws and bolts!

Well, for one that hates to ride in the rain, I have had to this year in prep for a century. As a result I have come up with rusted screws/bolts on the stem, chainring, etc. What do you guys do to prevent/correct this? I just hate to see rust in small places all over a aluminum/carbon bike!! I would really like to replace all of the rusted ones with new better? ones.

I assume you could try chrome plated, stainless steel or even titanium fasteners.

Or maybe wipe them with WD-40 to provide a film of protection.

Try to find some cadmium plated fasteners they are better than plain steel and probably cheaper than chrom and titanium or just wipe the bike down after riding in the rain and do the wd 40 routine like the other poster said

I put some plumbers grease on my non-stainless fasteners. Seems to work.

Titanium is probably a good idea. No plating to chip off (and eventually rust) and you can buy all the bike-related fasteners your heart desires.

Alternatively, stainless steel parts, but I don't know whether you can buy all the stuff you need, in it.

Finally, you can buy aluminum chainring bolts - but that's it.

This is all you need. (http://www.boeshield.com/)

I can drive a 20 year old car with no rust because of this stuff.

... Alternatively, stainless steel parts, but I don't know whether you can buy all the stuff you need, in it. ...

Try a boating supply store.

I have had success with colorless Tectyl (anti-rust treatment for cars). I soak a cotton stick and apply inside allen heads etc. No more rust, even if I use the bike in the salty slush. If needed, I clean up the area with an end-shape brass brush in the Dremel before treatment.
Erling.

The screws on my touring bike show signs of rust. My question should not all parts be stainless steel. Why should this happen. Should not be allowed. you don't change out rusted screws, is it life threatening to surrounding components. .

No it isn't. It takes a LOT of rust to cut into a bolt's working strength. It takes very little rust to make rusty stains.

It happens because the alternative is expensive. Have you priced stainless and titanium fasteners?

Just dab some grease on all of your bolt heads or anything else you want to protect from moisture, and in the near future, salt.

No it isn't. It takes a LOT of rust to cut into a bolt's working strength. It takes very little rust to make rusty stains.

It happens because the alternative is expensive. Have you priced stainless and titanium fasteners?

Ti fasteners are cheaper than you'd think. But I agree, and I generally have normal steel fasteners.

Try a boating supply store.

I've never seen or heard of stainless steel chainring bolts.

Stainless can rust. Aluminum corrodes.

I've never seen or heard of stainless steel chainring bolts.

Picky, picky, picky. ;)

Picky, picky, picky. ;)

Also, I've never seen or heard of a stainless steel derailleur hanger bolt.

But I have seen and held in my lovely hands both a derailleur hanger bolt and chainring bolts made of Ti, as well as V-brake fasteners, headset bolts, diskbrake fasteners and even derailleur pulley fasteners - all made of Titanium.

That's what full range means. And don't call me picky. Call me pedantic...

... And don't call me picky. Call me pedantic...

Pic..., oops - sorry. Pedantic, pedantic, pedantic. :p

Oh, by the way, ...

Brand-X Inner Ring Bolts Stainless
AVAILABLE IN: Stainless Steel x 5 4.5 / 5
£5.99
More Info
Brand-X Inner Ring Bolts Stainless Extra Long
AVAILABLE IN: Stainless Steel Long x 5
£9.99
More Info

I suspect that there are more out there as well, just not worth my effort to locate.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=159

remove the bolts then replace them with a dab of lithium grease under the head which will prevent rusting inside the threaded area, then put nail polish on the exposed parts, clear or color matched is up to you, but it will seal them from the weather.

I also use nail polish on small paint nicks because you can find it to match almost any shade or color.

Ken.

What do you suppose the lady will say as I clack up to the makeup counter with my bike in hand?

Oh, by the way, ...

Brand-X Inner Ring Bolts Stainless
AVAILABLE IN: Stainless Steel x 5 4.5 / 5
£5.99
More Info
Brand-X Inner Ring Bolts Stainless Extra Long
AVAILABLE IN: Stainless Steel Long x 5
£9.99
More Info

I suspect that there are more out there as well, just not worth my effort to locate.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=159

Ok. I won't dare you to find the other fasteners/bolts in stainless steel.

remove the bolts then replace them with a dab of lithium grease under the head which will prevent rusting inside the threaded area, then put nail polish on the exposed parts, clear or color matched is up to you, but it will seal them from the weather.

I also use nail polish on small paint nicks because you can find it to match almost any shade or color.

Ken.

+1 for nail polish. Matches many bikes, is easy, dries fast, and stays on the bike. I have matched five or six bike colors.


What do you suppose the lady will say as I clack up to the makeup counter with my bike in hand?

Maybe "Why do you have a bike in your hand?" :D:D

Beeswax...

Car wax over the bolts will help too. It's easy to apply, cheap, won't foul the threads, and won't attract dirt like grease can sometimes do.

I've heard of people covering them w/clear fingernail polish, but it seems like it would chip off when you tighten/loosen bolts. Never bothered me enough to try it.