Screw sizes and metal type?

[murbot]

Hi,
Some of my old hex bits damaged a couple screw heads. I want to replace the screws before they get stripped even with a new bit at this point.

Does metal type matter? I don't want to get something that's too hard and end up stripping threads on the frame, but I'd like to get something harder to avoid stripping if it wouldn't cause issues. I'm fine with getting extras and replacing them periodically if the screw metal needs to be softer.

Sutemribor M3 M4 M5 Stainless Steel Button Head Hex Socket Head Cap Bolts Screws Nuts Assortment Kit, 540PCS: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Thanks

 

[john peck]

Black hex screws are tool hardened, silver, not so much. The black can easily strip threads when used
with a power tool & bit. Silver heads can also strip with power tools. I prefer to hand tighten because
i can feel just how much torque I´m using.

 

[AHicks]

My feeling is with the limited number of screws in play here, there is little reason to be using a power tool anywhere on it. That's just inviting trouble.

 

[Avg_Joe]

Every time I remove a stock nut or bolt from my RR, I replace with either grade 10.9 or 12.9 black oxide hardware (incl lock washers, flat washers). The stock hardware is complete junk - heads strip easily, I've had a few get the heads mashed. I buy from my local hardware store and have a variety of sizes on hand. The black oxide is strictly for appearance, I love removing the shiny bits. There's also standard finish, stainless, etc.

I use the grade 12.9 for things like the torque arm, handlebar clasp and stem, other load-bearing components; and the 8.9 for general use. The 12.9 will not shear on these bikes.

One thing I cannot recommend enough is get a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) bit set. I have one from Vessel I purchased years ago from Amazon (<$25 w/ a driver) to work on our Japanese cars. I have completely stopped using all the other bits, screwdrivers I own: the JIS bits fit so much more positively and firmly, and I've not stripped a single bolt or screw head since switching.

Like @AHicks I cannot see any reason to use a power tool on these bikes, period. The torque values are so low, power tools guarantee you will strip things. Light torque with Permatex Loctite Blue threadlocker works beautifully; and contrary to what some some say, the bolts/screws are easily removed. (I'm of the opinion that "threadlocker" on the stock hardware is really just anti-vibration. It doesn't actually dissolve and lock the bolt/screw to the threads. One use of proper Loctite and you'll see.)

JMHO, ymmv, and all that...

 

[murbot]

Nah..I'd never use a power tool on my bike. I enjoy the more delicate nature of the bike work with hand tools. I'll keep my power tools for the bigger jobs. I have a small torque wrench I probably don't need. I tested and I get it pretty close without, but I'm still using it for a while until I'm more familiar with this new bike.

I'm 99% sure my wife is giving me a box of new hex bits with sockets connected for Christmas in a few days. Not sure what she got, but she knows I prefer to save money and get better quality tools in the first place. I prefer Japanese scissors due to workmanship. Hex bits that are especially reliable wouldn't surprise me. The Loctite seems like a great idea. I've been wanting to figure out what to use to replace it, but never really get around to that one. The grade info is a huge help. I'll go diving in the bins tomorrow.

Thanks for the suggestions !!

 

[murbot]

Any body know where I can find the screw below, but with a socket head and still grade 10.9?
Amazon.com: M5 x 8 mm Button Head Hex Socket Cap Screws, 10.9 Grade Alloy Steel, Black Oxide Finish, 100 PCS : Industrial & Scientific

I'm aiming for M5 / 12mm / .8 / 10.9 / Blk Oxide... Preferably socket head, but the button head above will do if the socket version doesn't exist. The socket heads I found in that size are grade 12.9 though and I'd like to stick with 10.9 for this application.

Thanks

 

[harryS]

I had to use my little cordless Craftsman impact driver to take off a hex head screw holding the chain guard on a bike earlier this month. The head was getting chewed up by my screwdrivers, but the impact tool worked great. I've had that tool for two years and never needed it. Only got it because it was free with the drill.

 

[indianajo]

Any body know where I can find the screw below, but with a socket head and still grade 10.9?
Amazon.com: M5 x 8 mm Button Head Hex Socket Cap Screws, 10.9 Grade Alloy Steel, Black Oxide Finish, 100 PCS : Industrial & Scientific

I'm aiming for M5 / 12mm / .8 / 10.9 / Blk Oxide... Preferably socket head, but the button head above will do if the socket version doesn't exist. The socket heads I found in that size are grade 12.9 though and I'd like to stick with 10.9 for this application.

Thanks

Mcmaster.com has 12.9 which is harder than 10.9 IMHO https://www.mcmaster.com/91290A228
My bike sits out in the rain a lot so I use 304 stainless a lot . Haven't stripped any. The rack you see on the back in the avatar is held to the baby carrier rack with 5 mm screws. I load it with 85 lb pickup tire sometimes.

 

[murbot]

Thanks, indianajo. Yep, that’s what came up with too. The blk ox socket heads are 12.9. Guess I’ll still with stainless steel socket heads.

I’d like to find a table with the screw sizes for Rad Power bikes.

 

[AHicks]

Thanks, indianajo. Yep, that’s what came up with too. The blk ox socket heads are 12.9. Guess I’ll still with stainless steel socket heads.

I’d like to find a table with the screw sizes for Rad Power bikes.

Let's not loose sight of the fact the e-bike industry is still in diapers. Betting RAD doesn't even have a table with the screw sizes it's using....

 

[Avg_Joe]

Any body know where I can find the screw below, but with a socket head and still grade 10.9?
Amazon.com: M5 x 8 mm Button Head Hex Socket Cap Screws, 10.9 Grade Alloy Steel, Black Oxide Finish, 100 PCS : Industrial & Scientific

I'm aiming for M5 / 12mm / .8 / 10.9 / Blk Oxide... Preferably socket head, but the button head above will do if the socket version doesn't exist. The socket heads I found in that size are grade 12.9 though and I'd like to stick with 10.9 for this application.

Thanks

If you have an Ace Hardware nearby, see if they have it. I have 2 Ace's near me: one has a decent selection of metric hardware, the other has so much more it blows my mind and I never fail to find what I'm looking for.

 

[murbot]

If you have an Ace Hardware nearby, see if they have it. I have 2 Ace's near me: one has a decent selection of metric hardware, the other has so much more it blows my mind and I never fail to find what I'm looking for.

I'm a regular at the Ace around the corner. Unfortunately, they have a limited supply. I grabbed the last handful of silver 10.9 socket heads. I tried Tractor Supply with less luck. I'll make the 20 mile trip to Home Depot and Lowe's Land this afternoon to see if a blk socket head version (that won't rust easily), even exists.

 

[AHicks]

I'm a regular at the Ace around the corner. Unfortunately, they have a limited supply. I grabbed the last handful of silver 10.9 socket heads. I tried Tractor Supply with less luck. I'll make the 20 mile trip to Home Depot and Lowe's Land this afternoon to see if a blk socket head version (that won't rust easily), even exists.

Let your fingers do the running around on Amazon? That's generally where I go for hard to find things. Beats hitting every decent hardware in a 35 mile range!