nwcdr200

I have a recessed hex screw to adjust tension on my pedals, which I bought used. Unfortunately, though I would like to raise the tension, the screw on the left pedal is adjusted all the way to the low end of the tension spectrum and the head is almost completely stripped. Is there any way to turn it? Better yet, could I replace the screw altogether?

sch

Simplest way, if accessible and you have access to a tool would be to carefully and
perpendicular to the head, use a dremel and a brown slotting (ceramic) wheel to carefully
make a thin slot of sufficient depth in the head of the screw and use a screw driver flat
blade to back it out completely. If it is 3mm allen wrench you might be able to force
a 1/8" allen wrench in the socket and back it out but all the other small allens differ in the
wrong direction for this to work. Also a spot welder could be used to tack a bent nail in
the stripped socket. Once out an eyeball of the screw should give you an idea of how
replaceable it is.

slvoid

Get an easy out.

sch

Smallest easy out is ~5/32, marginal for pedal allen heads, might work
but suspect it will be too big.

Camilo

Do a Yahoo search for "drill out" (a brand of extractor). They might sell one small enough.

Also search for "left handed" or "reverse" drill bits. Might find them at local hardware store. If you carefully drill with a very small reverse drill bit, you will probably be able to make it bind and carefully extract the bolt.

busted knuckles

Sometimes a torx head wrench of the appropriate size will grab the corners in the wallowed out hex bolt.

A.Winthrop

Hi,
.
I had a missing hex set screw from a pair of Ofmega Sintesi
platform pedals from the mid-80s. It was also to adjust
bearings. I pulled the one I did have out of the other
pedal and found an absolutely perfect match at ACE Hardware.
.
Mine is a tiny thing but ACE had many different sizes in
addition to the one that fit my pedal so it may have one
for you. I found them among the draws of nuts, bolts, washers,
et al. Bring your pedal along to make sure the threads are
correct. My Sintesi pedals are Italian, BTW.
.

Retro Grouch 

Before doing any more damage, try using a brand new allen wrench. That'll work more often than you'd ever imagine.

Thumpic

+1......but to save money (and restore a good tool) carefully grind the face of your Allen wrench to create a new "face". You want to be sure and grind as close to a 90 degree angle as possible and restore the crisp edges that actually do the work.

Also be sure your bolt head is clean and free of debris. Put in the wrench and give it a few taps to be sure it is seated. Then carefully try to remove. If it is still stubborn, you might try to tighten it a little and then back it off.

Good luck!!

nwcdr200

Thank you for all the help. My main concern is whether I'll be able to replace the screw: that is, not whether I can find an appropriately sized replacement, but whether I will be able to get it back in the pedal without damaging any interior functions. The screw compresses a spring which adjusts tension.
To clarify, this is a pair of Look Sprints.