| Author | Message | ||
     Dougal |
So I'm not used to maintaining my own vehicles, but I'm trying to learn, but I imagine this one will have most of you rolling in your seats. I want to remove my hand guards, but the screws holding them in won't budge. I've tried applying some force, but the screwdriver, which was quite a snug fit, slipped, and I don't want to keep trying lest I ruin the thread on the top of the screw. Any suggestions? Incompetent boi... | ||
| Strokizator |
For some reason the factory decided to use thread locker on these bolts. I've gotten mine off by first applying some heat with a small kitchen torch (you know, the one you all use for creme broule). The heat softens the loc-tite enough for easy removal. Too much and things start to melt. | ||
| Florida_lime |
Mine were definitely snug when I pulled off the handguards to install my CRG levers and traction grips. First thing, make sure that you are using a high quality, properly fitting -- preferably newer -- screwdriver. Before you even apply any force, tap the handle end with a small mallet. That alone may be enough to break things loose. When you are starting to loosen the screw, downforce into the screw is as important as the twisting force. If someone else can steady the bike if you don't have something like a Baxley wheel chock, that will help so you don't knock something over unintentionally.  Good luck ! | ||
| Kc69xlch |
an impact driver may also be helpful. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Deffinately get an impact driver!   This thing is a life saver on all those darn loctited screws. | ||
| Florida_lime |
If you are going to use an impact driver (I have one also), I would make sure someone is at least supporting the handlebar securely to brace it. Hitting the impact driver on something out near the ends of the handlebar, the force may be absorbed by the flex of the handlebar. Then you try to hit it harder, etc. until it either loosens up, or something gets damaged. I like the impact driver too, but only if what I'm hitting is solid. YMMV  | ||
| Treadmarks |
After a tip over, I drilled mine out and called the guys at Appleton (Daves) for a set of lever bolts for a non-handguard Buell. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Why would a tip-over sway your decision? | ||
| Treadmarks |
Why would a tip-over sway your decision? After the tip over (and lever breakage), I realized how weak the factory guards were, and wanted to take them off in favor of a more robust mirror basher. My impact driver did nothing more than make a large center punch mark where the phillips head used to be. Mine seemed to be assembled with super dooper loctite. So out came the 1/4" inch drill. | ||
| Paochow |
I used an impact driver on three of them and a screw extractor on the fourth after the impact driver sheared the head off. | ||
| Dougal |
Hah  I'm convinced that the answer to most problems with a motorbike is impact driver. I got the same answer last time I asked something mechanical. I need to resist the Tim Allen/Home Improvement impressions Anyway, I'll have a look at getting a better set of screwdrivers to the one I've got, or if I pass the garage (I leave near my dealer, and they're a friendly bunch) I'll ask wtf they do Cheers again. "what do we need? MORE POWER! Arrh! Arrh! Arrh!" ;) | ||
| Crusty |
Anyway, I'll have a look at getting a better set of screwdrivers to the one I've got Get a set if WIHA screwdrivers. They're German made and are the best that I've ever used. I got a set years ago when I was working as a maintenance mechanic at a factory, and after years of abuse, they still look and work like new. They are a little pricey, but nowhere near as bad as Snap-On, and the quality is as good or better. | ||
| Birdmanrh |
I used my Snap-On screwdriver and mine came right off... | ||
| Michael1 |
Mine weren't moving very easy as well. After some Grip Doctor (a paste found at autoparts stores to get more grip on a screw head) they came right off. I ditched my weakling OEM handguards as well, for a set of Cycra's. | ||
| Bertotti |
Michael1 which ones did you use? I like the looks of the cycra's. I am curious how you mounted them. |
