Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Keep stripping seat clamp bolts, is there a better way?

For the second time I've stripped the binding bold on my surly constrictor (I mess with my seat too much sometimes). Its not a huge deal getting another bolt (bolts from any hardware store work if you grind down the head a bit)

I'm just wondering if there is a better solution out there. I kind of like the (imagined) security of a bolt instead of a quick release. But I also like being able to fiddle with my seat positioning now and again (it always seems too high or too low).

any ideas? Or am I losing it?

Put a QR on it, do you really need to mess with your seatpost height that much? Usually it's a bit of a trial and error to find your correct height... then it doesn't usually change.

And if you really are stripping the bolts. Either the bolts you are using blow or you need to calibrate your arm to the proper torque seatcollar bolts need to be.

I use bolts not QRs on all my bikes - you are obviously over tightening your bolts.

You need to buy a cheap torque wrench.

either that or you're using SAE allen wrenches

if the bolt is too short and only threading onto a few threads it will strip pretty easily. how many threads are stripped?

its the head, not the thread. Its not really the height i mess with, its the making sure the seat is straight. I've only done this twice. I was really careful after the first time, but my hand slipped a few times and eventually it got stripped.

I'm not strongarming the thing on, I've just been tightening it enough to keep the post from slipping

at present I think I like where it is. so I doubt I'll mess with it anytime soon.

make sure that is right size, and it is fully inserted before cranking on it.

make sure that is right size, and it is fully inserted before cranking on it.

"Thats what she said."

/So sorry, I couldna help meself.

some bolts are better than others. never had a problem w/suginos or campy

its the head, not the thread. Its not really the height i mess with, its the making sure the seat is straight. I've only done this twice. I was really careful after the first time, but my hand slipped a few times and eventually it got stripped.

I'm not strongarming the thing on, I've just been tightening it enough to keep the post from slipping

at present I think I like where it is. so I doubt I'll mess with it anytime soon.

oh i see.
you need to get a quality set of allen wrenches. craftsman is always pretty ok. go to sears. if you look at your allens and they look a little smooshed or worn or anything on the tips go get new ones.

If it is a hex bolt, use a box wrench instead of an open/adjustable wrench.

either that or you're using SAE allen wrenches

I'm thinking it's either this or a really worn set of metrics. Either way, get yourself a decent new set of metrics. I'm one of the most meatheaded dumbasses that I know and I rarely strip bolts.

oh i see.
you need to get a quality set of allen wrenches. craftsman is always pretty ok. go to sears. if you look at your allens and they look a little smooshed or worn or anything on the tips go get new ones.


Or if your really cheep (like me) you can grind the key down past the worn part to freshen it up. Just make sure to take your time and not heat it up or you will soften it.

But, buy good allen keys . The cheep ones are worse then useless.

Yeah just realized I've been using an SAE wrench. It is a craftsman so at least there's that. I'll have to remember that next when I replace the bolt. Seems fine as is though but I need a long ride to test it out.

Thanks for the advice ::slams head::