Calling all hardware gurus!!

[thehstrybean]

I need to take my Q-Towers off of my crossbars (yakima rack). One of the holes (uses an allen wrench) is rounded. What's the best way to turn it?

 

[DainBramaged]

Channel locks.

 

[mattpegher]

if you cant grab the edges, you'll have to drill out the center of the bolt, carefull not to wide, then use a bolt extracting bit to remove.

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: mattpegher
if you cant grab the edges, you'll have to drill out the center of the bolt, carefull not to wide, then use a bolt extracting bit to remove.

You could also cut a slot across the bolt with a dremel tool and then use a slot bladed screw driver.

 

[RKS]

I had some frozen Q-Towers as well. I chose brute force. I don't know about recent gear but my Yakima rack and arms from the mid-90s are very rust-prone.

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend

Originally posted by: mattpegher
if you cant grab the edges, you'll have to drill out the center of the bolt, carefull not to wide, then use a bolt extracting bit to remove.

You could also cut a slot across the bolt with a dremel tool and then use a slot bladed screw driver.

This works. I've done it, but you have to be VERY careful.

 

[thehstrybean]

Hmm...I think I'll try channel locks first, then the slot idea...