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-   -   the little rubber plug that goes in your top stem bolt (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/866570-little-rubber-plug-goes-your-top-stem-bolt.html)

mihlbach 01-09-13 08:54 AM

the little rubber plug that goes in your top stem bolt
 
Anybody know where I can buy those little rubber plugs that fit into the too cap bolt? They keep moisture out of the bolt head, prevent corrosion, and just look nice. Most of mine are lost. I have looked around and can't seem to find any either at the LBS or online. A small bag of them would be nice because they are so easy to lose.

HillRider 01-09-13 09:06 AM

Yeah, those things disappear very quickly and I've never found a source for replacements either. I just take a Q-tip and put a dab of grease in the hex recess to prevent rust. Another possibility is to cut a circle of electrical tape and put it over the hole. It will look good enough if you make a neat circle

Yo Spiff 01-09-13 09:06 AM

Not a clue. When I lost one, I stole a replacement out of a spare stem. I would suggest checking a hardware store for a rubber plug that might fit.

mihlbach 01-09-13 09:13 AM

Surprising the Problem Solvers or Wheelsmfg doesn't sell a small bag of 25 or 50.

I'm not generally obsessed with bike appearance, but thats the one part of the bike that you have to stare at the most...the obnoxious rusty bolt clashes with unblemished anodized components.

DieselDan 01-09-13 09:35 AM

Clear coat works.

FMB42 01-09-13 10:28 AM

+1 for Hillrider's tape suggestion.

These rubber caps, while not used much beyond the "stem bolt" application, are designed to keep dirt, mud, water and rust from making their way into the hex "well" or depression (which can make it difficult to insert a hex key).

Off-road and "enduro/dual purpose" motorcycles tend to make use of these caps more often than what is seen with bicycles.

As for finding replacements, you might try your local motorcycle dealerships. Otherwise, a well stocked Ace Hardware or mega hardware box store might have something that will work.

Note: some of these hex head caps are tight fitting plastic designs that are much harder to lose than their rubber counter-parts.

fietsbob 01-09-13 10:31 AM

Threadless steerers? just go get a stainless steel bolt, instead of chrome plated one..

jolly_ross 01-09-13 11:17 AM

Look - here's a whole tube of em: http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/store/i...20(Medium).JPG

ksisler 01-09-13 01:10 PM

Squirt some acquarium glue in the hole. Wait 24 hours and then use a razor knife to slice it off smooth with the top.

cny-bikeman 01-09-13 01:58 PM

You don't need aquarium glue specifically - use black or clear silicone seal. I you are really concerned about corrosion I would 1st add a small amount of protectant and dab out any pooled portion. Then just squeeze in a plug of black or clear silicone seal, and wipe flush or trim when cured. Easily removed when desired.

Looigi 01-09-13 04:01 PM

Piece of vinyl tape.

fietsbob 01-09-13 04:12 PM

Blue tack a kneaded rubber [used to stick up notes on cinder block walls and such] is another option..

es1bkacsur 01-09-13 04:21 PM

You might be able to find a resonable substitute at an autoparts store. :)

xenologer 01-09-13 09:00 PM


Originally Posted by mihlbach (Post 15137071)
Anybody know where I can buy those little rubber plugs that fit into the too cap bolt? They keep moisture out of the bolt head, prevent corrosion, and just look nice. Most of mine are lost. I have looked around and can't seem to find any either at the LBS or online. A small bag of them would be nice because they are so easy to lose.

My impression is they dont so much seal out moisture and corrosian; as much as they hide it from view.
Have you tried simply asking the LBS nicely for a spare one? As far as I know this isn't sold separatly, but whenever I unbox a bike there tends to be an extra few in the small parts baggies. We usualy throw them away, but ya never know, maybe someone in the back room at your LBS has a stash....

fun uses: plugging over the silver chainring bolts on an otherwise all black crankset

cycledogg 01-10-13 09:43 AM

Try your LBS. They usually have a few laying around. I have yet to find a source myself.
Cheers,
Rick in Tennessee


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