Bicycle Mechanics - qr axles to nutted axles

is it safe to throw nuts onto a qr axle (to make them non quick release) and call it a day? My gut says, "yes" but my mind says, "check."

verdict?

is it safe to throw nuts onto a qr axle (to make them non quick release) and call it a day? My gut says, "yes" but my mind says, "check."

verdict?
QR axles typically extend about 4mm beyond the lock nut. Not enough to extend through the dropout, let alone thread on a nut to secure it.
You can replace the QR axle with a solid one if you really want nuts.

is it safe to throw nuts onto a qr axle (to make them non quick release) and call it a day? My gut says, "yes" but my mind says, "check."

verdict?

If all you want is a bolt-on setup to prevent theft, there's skewer replacements available:
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=2258&category=160
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=15860&category=160

If all you want is a bolt-on setup to prevent theft, there's skewer replacements available:
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=2258&category=160
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=15860&category=160

these look like a great solution.

Thanks

If all you want is a bolt-on setup to prevent theft, there's skewer replacements available:
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=2258&category=160
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=15860&category=160

these look like a great solution.

Thanks

While we're on the subject, I now use some of the skewers that require an allen key for removal, but have been wondering what torque to use. I know approximately how tight to make a regular QR skewer, but am not sure how this translates to this other type. I have a torque wrench, but don't know what to use for this application. Obviously, I'm not going to be able to use a torque wrench everytime I re-install the wheel, but getting an ideal of the feel for the appropriate tightness would be useful.

While we're on the subject, I now use some of the skewers that require an allen key for removal, but have been wondering what torque to use. I know approximately how tight to make a regular QR skewer, but am not sure how this translates to this other type. I have a torque wrench, but don't know what to use for this application. Obviously, I'm not going to be able to use a torque wrench everytime I re-install the wheel, but getting an ideal of the feel for the appropriate tightness would be useful.
Is the allen wrench used in the same manner and position as the "flag" on a standard qr skewer but is removable? If so, use the same hand pressure you use to tighten a regular qr skewer.

I hadn't thought of a "removable lever" style but if by some chance that is what you have then Hill's advice makes sense.

But all the "security" skewers I've seen are just threaded and are tightened by screwing the thread tight. Using an allen key to tighten these screw type skewers will require a HEAP less torque on the allen key than what we're used to using on a direct action flag lever. Your guide for this is the size of the thread in the skewer nut. That's a 5mm thread so you want to use no more than a 5mm screw level of torque on the allen key. And that means you can fully reach that point with just a thumb and one finger on the allen key without leaving an imprint in your finger. And for the sake of thread longevity and consistent torque you should be greasing the threads. But since the threads will soon become contaminated with grit due to the grease you will also need to clean the threads out with a shot of brake cleaner with reasonable frequency. When you notice that the thread grease is really black or when it feels at all gritty would be the official notice.

Thanks for the tips. The allen wrench is actually a 4mm, so I haven't been putting a lot of force into it, especially since I need to be able to get it off and on with my emergency multitool when needed, but I was just worried about whether this was sufficient force. From your comments it sounds like it is fine (plus I haven't noticed the wheels move yet). Greasing threads is something that I do as standard on everything, so that isn't a problem. Yes, of course the allen wrench is removable, otherwise what would be the point? These are actually titanium skewers - weighing 40 grams and costing about US$35, some of the cheapest 80 grams that I ever lost from the bike.

While we're on the subject, I now use some of the skewers that require an allen key for removal, but have been wondering what torque to use. I know approximately how tight to make a regular QR skewer, but am not sure how this translates to this other type. I have a torque wrench, but don't know what to use for this application. Obviously, I'm not going to be able to use a torque wrench everytime I re-install the wheel, but getting an ideal of the feel for the appropriate tightness would be useful.

Check with the manufacturer of your skewers? I'm using the allen key skewers from Nashbar, which come with a little manual that specifies torque.