the little rubber plug that goes in your top stem bolt
01-09-13, 08:54 AM
#1
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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.
01-09-13, 09:06 AM
#2
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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
01-09-13, 09:06 AM
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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.
01-09-13, 09:13 AM
#4
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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.
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.
01-09-13, 10:28 AM
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+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.
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.
01-09-13, 11:17 AM
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Look - here's a whole tube of em: https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/store/i...20(Medium).JPG
01-09-13, 01:58 PM
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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.
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There's no such thing as a routine repair.
Don't tell me what "should" be - either it is, it isn't, or do something about it.
If you think I'm being blunt take it as a compliment - if I thought you were too weak to handle the truth or a strong opinion I would not bother.
Please respect others by taking the time to post clearly so we can answer quickly. All lowercase and multiple typos makes for a hard read. Thanks!
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 01-10-13 at 10:28 AM.
01-09-13, 04:12 PM
#12
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Blue tack a kneaded rubber [used to stick up notes on cinder block walls and such] is another option..
01-09-13, 04:21 PM
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You might be able to find a resonable substitute at an autoparts store. 
01-09-13, 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by mihlbach
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.
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
