Security Bolt Overhaul - Any easy way?
07-29-18, 08:54 PM
#1
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Security Bolt Overhaul - Any easy way?
Do bicycles have any kind of standards when it comes to the bolts they use or do they vary widely by model and/or manufacturer?
I ask because it occurred to me the other day that one way of securing the components on your bike would be to simply replace all of the bolts with non-standard types, such as torx. I doubt too many would-be thieves are carrying around torx keys, especially since the standard is allen. But boy, there are quite a few bolts of varying lengths and diameters on any given bike...
Basically I'm just trying to put together a shopping list here instead of having to disassemble all of the bolts on a given bike to take them into a hardware store, though that might be my only option.
I ask because it occurred to me the other day that one way of securing the components on your bike would be to simply replace all of the bolts with non-standard types, such as torx. I doubt too many would-be thieves are carrying around torx keys, especially since the standard is allen. But boy, there are quite a few bolts of varying lengths and diameters on any given bike...
Basically I'm just trying to put together a shopping list here instead of having to disassemble all of the bolts on a given bike to take them into a hardware store, though that might be my only option.
07-30-18, 01:11 AM
#2
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Get assorted ball bearings and just glue them into your existing bolts to add lots of tamper resistance. It'll make removing them rather difficult without some kind of solvent or a tiny pick and time, to remove the ball bearings though.
07-30-18, 01:28 AM
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Originally Posted by General Geoff
Get assorted ball bearings and just glue them into your existing bolts to add lots of tamper resistance. It'll make removing them rather difficult without some kind of solvent or a tiny pick and time, to remove the ball bearings though.
07-30-18, 04:08 AM
#4
Hack
Some chainring bolts use torx, and it's on my bike multi-tool. Not obscure enough.
07-30-18, 05:08 AM
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A lot would depend on the bike thieves in your area. What do they go after? How brazen?
Some bolts are standardized, some are not. For example, bottle cage bolts are pretty standard M5.
I'd just look at your stem bolts rather than trying to guess.
Other nuts/bolts such as crankset/chainring bolts, bottom bracket bolts, and recessed brake nuts are very bike specific. While there are some standards, you might have troubles hunting for them at your local hardware store.
There are hex head and torx head bolts with a center pin. What a hassle. But, the would be an extra level of security, necessitating a specific security bit set.
Some bolts are standardized, some are not. For example, bottle cage bolts are pretty standard M5.
I'd just look at your stem bolts rather than trying to guess.
Other nuts/bolts such as crankset/chainring bolts, bottom bracket bolts, and recessed brake nuts are very bike specific. While there are some standards, you might have troubles hunting for them at your local hardware store.
There are hex head and torx head bolts with a center pin. What a hassle. But, the would be an extra level of security, necessitating a specific security bit set.
Last edited by CliffordK; 07-30-18 at 05:12 AM.
07-30-18, 05:43 AM
#7
elcraft
07-30-18, 07:06 AM
#8
Senior Member
Originally Posted by JonnyHK
Others have suggested similar, but using wax melted in to hold the ball bearings or even electrical solder. Difficult for an opportunist thief, but easy enough to remove with the right tools (hairdryer, soldering iron and solder sucker).
07-30-18, 07:21 AM
#9
Been Around Awhile
Do paranoid bicyclists ever need to do roadside repairs, beyond the reach of an AC extension cord?
07-30-18, 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by General Geoff
A torx driver is a lot easier and more likely for a thief to be carrying than a hair dryer or soldering iron, especially since those typically also require AC power to operate.
In this gig economy, it makes sense to diversify! Bike thieving with STYLE! Get clipped while you get clipped!
Endless possibility.
