Chain ring bolts

[ayceejay]

I don't particularly want to buy another tool but a couple of my crank bolts don't catch when I try to tighten them, what do people use to hold the back nut in place while tightening?

 

[Smurfy]

This job can often be done with a less than perfect engagement of the slot on the back of the sleeve nut. A regular screwdriver in just one side of the slot often works ok. Alternatively, you could find a knife from the cutlery drawer you don't want, and file it to the right shape, even quicker if you own a dremel type tool.

To make it easier, make sure that the threads are lightly greased, but the outside surface of the nut is free of grease to create some friction with the chainring.

 

[biggs682]

as above but dont tell the other half

 

[ayceejay]

Thanx guys but I just want to tighten my chain ring bolts not start WWIII.
I wondered about the grease/loctite thing too so thanks Tim.

 

[Smurfy]

Thanx guys but I just want to tighten my chain ring bolts not start WWIII.
I wondered about the grease/loctite thing too so thanks Tim.

A few more tips
1. make sure the chainring bolt and its sleeve nut will engage along the entire thread length before you install on the chainset. If there is a rough patch on the thread you'll never get it to catch without the proper tool
2. sometimes tightening the bolt very suddenly can help it catch

 

[stevede]

I know you said you didn't want to buy another tool, but for a couple of quid?? Cheaper than modifying a std screwdriver. It's not top quality, but it works.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_953359_langId_-1_categoryId_242558

 

[stephec]

Proper tool does make the job so much easier, especially if you can pick one up cheap.

 

[fossyant]

Most times I haven't had to use my tools, bt sometimes its been essential.

Got mine free with my Dura Ace group set in about 1989..

 

[02GF74]

Usually using an allen key turned quickly has always worked for me; I only ever had one difficult one so I made the 'tool' from a strip of steel, held it in a vice and place the slotted bolt on top of it and managed to undo to bolt.

 

[ayceejay]

I weakened while in MEC today and bought the tool for under 5 bucks, I hope I can find it the next time I need it.