Tough bolt removal
 

I am trying to adjust the handlebar height on a '91 Trek and the long stem bolt is super stuck. Any tricks to getting it off without drilling?

threadless stem?

loosen the bolt so its sticking up out of the stem about half an inch and give the bolt head a rap with a hammer. That always works for me.

**edit**
i think i might have mis-read that. The bolt itself is stuck...douse it in penetrating oil, give it some time and try a wrench with a longer arm, or extend the arm of your wrench.

Search is your friend, a common problem with lots of discussion threads for you to choose from.

I can't remember ever reading a discussion of stuck stem bolts.

Why be rude to a new member by telling him to use search instead of trying to help?

Is it a quill stem? (1 piece up and out)
Is it stuck so it doesn't turn? or does it turn and not move at all?

Once we know what kind of stem, and what does/doesn't turn, we can help, I hope.

If you're gonna use penetrating lubrcant, it might help to turn the bike over and put it on the pinch bolt inside the steerer tube.

In regards to recommending the search function. It is a powerful tool to find information from a lot of sources.

Most questions have been discussed before, and by searching, you get the advantage of multiple threads, with a lot of input from people, many of them no longer active on the list.

If you post a question, you might get a handful of opinions, perhaps five or ten.

Another place for tips is the mechanics forum.

My basic stuck bolt recommendation is to soak it well (overnight or longer) with PB Blaster. You can find it at Walmart, or any Big Lots. Might have to soak it a couple of times.

As wrk101 notes, there's much to be gained from a good search. Try this one, for instance, in Google:

stuck stem bolt site:bikeforums.net

Lots of "stuck stem" questions, and some involve the bolt, too.

Neal