treechunk

I just posted this elsewhere in the world as well, but I figured I'd throw it on here and see if anyone knows anything about it.

I want to make my bike so I'm not QUITE so paranoid about locking it up. I want to replace as many bolts as possible with Torx or something like it (ttp://www.brycefastener.com/keyedlokmach.htm). Anyone have any ideas on where to get a listing of bicycle threadings so i can specify them? I really like the Bryce system, as they're stainless AND a unique tool is required. I'm not sure if they're going to be able to handle orders as small as what I need, but I figure it's worth asking at least. I sent a preliminary email to see if they'd even be able to do an order as small as what I need, but I really need a listing of threadings to get anywhere in the process.

Rev.Chuck

Most of the hardware on a bike is standard metric stuff . You should be able to confirm any screws with a cheap micrometer and pitch guage.

treechunk

that's true. I was hoping someone had an idea of a good list someplace that I could email them. I'll be checking Barnett's and Sutherland's tomorrow when I go to work, maybe there's a list in one of those.

sch

Although the threads are quite standard, the screw heads tend to be specialty type heads or have odd, non standard head to hex ratios. BB screws are typical of these and some seat post screws, and of course the R der mount screw, chain ring screws, the list goes on. Since you want to get away from allen heads, that is not a problem. To get 3 of one screw, two of another and 1 each of 6 more is a bit much unless you find a hardware store that sells onsies. Good luck in your somewhat quixotic quest.
Steve

jemoryl

Torx aren't really very theft-proof; anyone can go buy a set of Torx drivers. To work on modern cars you need a set... As I understand it, manufacturers like them because they are well suited to robotic/automated assembly.

There are so many different bicycle components out there I doubt you will find a published guide to threading standards. Plus, a lot of component fasteners are odd shapes and sizes. What I do is take a screw or nut to a good hardware store where you can dig through the drawers and see which threads work. A lot will be metric sizes like M3, M4, M5....

same time

I'm sure you've heard this before, but just in case - fill your allen bolt heads with candle wax to deter theives. Use a black candle and the wax will be grey when it drips in, it looks like metal. Use a cigarette lighter to melt it out when you need to work on the bike.

It's messy, and in really cold weather the wax can pop out (I see you're in Chicago), but it's a lot cheaper than finding replacement bolts.

HillRider

Another problem with Torx head screws, other than Torx drivers are common, is that one size or another Allen keys will fit most sizes. They don't fit properly and will damage the head if used a lot but they will fit well enough to remove the screw.

Rev.Chuck

There is a tamperproof(read resistant) torx that has a pin in the center.
I was looking in Make magazine and their second issue(third?) had a tool in the back that would work on more than 50 different tamper resistant heads. So there is always a tool to defeat your armour.

DannoXYZ 

If a thief wants a part off your bike, they're gonna get it. But they're not stupid, they're not going to be sitting there for 5-10 minutes at a time working on some trick fastener, when they can just take the entire bike in less than 30-seconds..

treechunk

https://www.brycefastener.com/keyedlokmach.htm

this system seems to be a bit beyond that sort of thing. We'll see if they're willing to do small orders, but I think I MIGHT be able to pull this off, especially since I'll be outfitting a rather large fleet with these. I may also be able to convince some other folks I live with to make the jump with me and save more by buying more.

treechunk

This I very much know. The point of all theft prevention is deterrence, which is what I'm really really shooting for here. I lock my bike well when I lock it, but I may be getting a delivery job that would require more/faster locking than I currently do. I would be very happy if I had a system like this that is workable.

treechunk

I REALLY don't care about the cost IF IT WORKS! I've considered the wax thing, but really I adjust my bikes too often to really want to bother with it.

fmw

Most of the screws are M4, M5 and M6 of varying lengths and head profiles. That should be enough to order them. Good luck.

auroch

Hey,

Jeff here. I'd be totally interested in getting in on your order. And I imagine if you polled
a bunch of the kids at SS/FG they'd be in too. And think most of us have more than 1 bike.
Man I would get a set for my pista & my 'cross bike
Unless this was supposed to be an effort on the "down-low."

I'm jealous that you have a "quixotic quest"

treechunk

how much do you think it's worth?

auroch

Depends on what you get.

The "weak" points on my bike are the stem/fork, and stem/handlebars.
I've got a saddle leash, but I bet some would want a seatpost bolt.
That's 7 bolts for me and while I think it would be cool to get a bag of
bolts for $5 I could see paying more since you need the special bits.

you should start a theft proofing service. then you could charge a bunch
for not a whole lot of work and as part of it teach people how to lock
up their bikes. People at my train station are always locking up wrong
and ending up with just a wheel when they get home

jeff

winston

I've looked at secure torx and secure hex (with the pin) bolts, but I've never been able to find a supplier of metric-size bolts.... if you find such a thing, please let us know.

wile e. coyote

take a look at tamperproof.com, I assume they sell quite a lot of stuff to the nyc area, being just upstate. Their tri wing and tp3 look good. I always wanted to retap my seatpost clamp reverse thread.