Removing stuck screws?
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 101
Likes: 4
From: Seal Beach, CA
Bikes: Cinelli Bootleg Hobo - Railway 2015
Removing stuck screws?
My bike came with a decent carrier rack when i got it about a couple months ago but the only problem is the top two screws closest to my seat post just wont budge, i've tried using different screw drivers and one of the screws got stripped a little bit. I'd really like to be able to use panniers instead of my messenger bag
#2
rebmeM roineS

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,231
Likes: 366
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Screw head is now too beat up to cooperate with a screwdriver? A screw exractor is one option. https://www.acehardware.com/family/in...goryId=1259460
It's not a hex head screw, is it?
Are you removing a rack? Or, just adjusting it?
It's not a hex head screw, is it?
Are you removing a rack? Or, just adjusting it?
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#3
Thread Starter
Junior Member

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 101
Likes: 4
From: Seal Beach, CA
Bikes: Cinelli Bootleg Hobo - Railway 2015
Screw head is now too beat up to cooperate with a screwdriver? A screw exractor is one option. https://www.acehardware.com/family/in...goryId=1259460
It's not a hex head screw, is it?
Are you removing a rack? Or, just adjusting it?
It's not a hex head screw, is it?
Are you removing a rack? Or, just adjusting it?
#4
Bianchi Goddess


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28,925
Likes: 4,177
From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
is this a New bike or a "New To Me" bike? if it is a brand new bike take it back to the shop and have them look at the screw. Also if you are unfamiliar with tools like a screw extractor I highly recomend you take the bike to a shop first. using a extractor ona 5mm screw is a bit tricky because you need to be very precise with drilling the hole for the extractor to go into.
Did you try a wrench? it is likely a 8mm and I would try a wrench using my left thumb to try and keep the close end of the wrench from slipping off. careful use of visegrips may work too
Did you try a wrench? it is likely a 8mm and I would try a wrench using my left thumb to try and keep the close end of the wrench from slipping off. careful use of visegrips may work too
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#6
spathfinder34089
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Washington State
Bikes: fuji s12s, Schwiin Le Tour, Puegot mtn. bike, Hiawatha crusier
If all else fails grind the head off the screw with grinder on a drill. When the head is off you can simply use a pair of pliers to remove what is left of screw
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,327
Likes: 1,112
From: Roswell, GA
Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta
Try applying penetrating oil to the screws and let it sit for a while, maybe overnight, before trying again to remove them. I prefer Kroil but Liquid Wrench is more generally available. As Bill in Houston mentioned impact may help loosen things up and should be done after applying the oil to help it penetrate the threads, then also while trying to remove the fasteners. Mild heating, short of damaging the paint, may also help.
#8
Really Old Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,654
Likes: 1,898
From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
Are you sure it's not an Allen screw that you're mistaking for a Phillips?
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Fritch, Tx
Bikes: Felt F80, Trek 730, Raleigh M40
stubborn screw?
My bike came with a decent carrier rack when i got it about a couple months ago but the only problem is the top two screws closest to my seat post just wont budge, i've tried using different screw drivers and one of the screws got stripped a little bit. I'd really like to be able to use panniers instead of my messenger bag
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,327
Likes: 1,112
From: Roswell, GA
Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta
crusinintx's suggestion may have merit, but apply such a mixture with caution as the acetone may strip your paint. Commercial penetrating oils do a good job of creeping into joints ( Kroil = KReeping OIL) if you give them time to work.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Bikes: 91 Trek franken '81 Schwinn Voyager
People find it hard to believe, but left handed twist bits, (reverse the drill!) used in the extractor scenario, will often break out the threaded section of bolts or screws. A right handed bit drives it tighter.
#14
SE Wis

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,553
Likes: 4,331
From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
+1 My easy out set came with LH drill bits. Often the bolt comes out in the drilling process.
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