SORTED - Wrenching help: Shimano plastic crank bolt

[ahumblecycler]

SORTED, THANK YOU.

Dear PL-

After trying every trick I know and exhausting Google with non-precise search terms, I turn to the community for assistance.

Situation. I cannot remove the black, plastic crank bolt from a Shimano R565 crank.

Assessment. Over tightened upon installation combined with no real use for 4 years has allowed the bolt to "settle"

Short of drilling it out, which would destroy the bolt (not above this by the way), any tips to at least loosen it such that I can use the crappy PT removal tool attached to the BB wrench?

Thanks in advance.

AHC

[muz]

I assume you have already loosened the NDS crank arm bolts? Sometimes the tension on these bolts will make it harder to turn the plastic bolt.

[oldpotatoe]

I assume you have already loosened the NDS crank arm bolts? Sometimes the tension on these bolts will make it harder to turn the plastic bolt.

What he said...:)

[JLQ]

Had this happen once, I dremel cut the plastic bolt enough to get a thin chisel in there and spin it. Did the trick and was able to reuse the bolt. Non elegant.

[stien]

I used to have that problem when all I used was that crappy wheel at the end of the BB tool. Now that I switched to this, no issues.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51snpQU1NHL._SL1200_.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-BBT-10-2-Adjusting-Cap/dp/B00YHSW496/ref=asc_df_B00YHSW496/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312125954623&hvpos=1o7&hvnetw=g&hvrand=795529626409214114&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002092&hvtargid=pla-562773955139&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=63589537658&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312125954623&hvpos=1o7&hvnetw=g&hvrand=795529626409214114&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002092&hvtargid=pla-562773955139

[Gummee]

I've got one of those, but use this more
http://endurobearings.com/wp-content/uploads//2014/10/bbt-001-b-741x1024.jpg

M

[gavingould]

one time i couldn't find my tool for it and removed one with a dime and some needlenose pliers to grip the dime...
but yeah, definitely loosen the crank arm bolts first.

[Black Dog]

You can buy an aluminum version of the bolt that uses an Allen key for a few dollars on eBay in several colours, black, or silver.

[jtakeda]

I once used a flat head screwdriver and a hammer and lightly tapped

[ahumblecycler]

Thanks everyone.

I had loosened the crank arm bolts (meant to state that but too early and not enough caffeine when I started the thread); the comments are valid and wish that had been the issue.

The various tools look nice, much better than the crappy plastic tool I have, and will be adding one to my bin. In the meantime, I will continue to be creative - the dime and pliers is worth a go and of course the dremel option is always possible.

Thanks everyone!

[pdonk]

If buying a good tool for the job I'd suggest Abbey Toolworks' version. It has an optional insert to help with setting saddle height as well as a hex head to get more leverage.