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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: rock_rebel on June 25, 2012, 08:30:26 AM

Title: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: rock_rebel on June 25, 2012, 08:30:26 AM
I had to get new hex screws for the carbs because I had to drill out the originals. Unfortunately the screws are a little too long to properly fit and they need to be cut. What's the easiest way to cut these? Would a pair of bolt cutters work?
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: Soloratov on June 25, 2012, 08:35:06 AM
Find the correct size nut for the threads...M6 I believe?...then put the nut on the screw. Hold it in a vice, and use a hack saw to cut down. File the end a little to remove the burr and then remove the nut. The nut will make sure the threads get put back on the end straight.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: noiseguy on June 25, 2012, 08:37:51 AM
+1

Bolt cutters will mangle the bolts. Hacksaw and file, with nut on end.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: adidasguy on June 25, 2012, 10:25:03 AM
Those are small screws so put a nut on as mentioned but use your dremel.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: MVent03 on June 25, 2012, 02:41:41 PM
And if you don't have a Dremel then get one.

It's a necessary tool when doing anything to your bike. I have seriously used mine on almost every project I've tackled on my bike.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: slipperymongoose on June 25, 2012, 02:47:49 PM
Same trick with the but on the bolt, you could also use a bench grinder or bastard file
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: rock_rebel on June 26, 2012, 06:24:03 AM
Quote from: MVent03 on June 25, 2012, 02:41:41 PM
And if you don't have a Dremel then get one.

It's a necessary tool when doing anything to your bike. I have seriously used mine on almost every project I've tackled on my bike.

I have a router, will that work?

If so, what proper attachment do I need to get?
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: Soloratov on June 26, 2012, 07:10:03 AM
Good chance that might rip your arm right off....just use a hack saw man. Take ya 10 minutes to do all of them.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: rock_rebel on June 26, 2012, 08:13:19 AM
Problem is, I don't have a gargage. Just an apartment where I can't set up shop. Need an easy fix or I just might by the screws directly from the dealer.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: adidasguy on June 26, 2012, 08:57:27 AM
A dremel doesn't need a shop. It is a small, hand held thing about 1/8 the size of a router.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: rock_rebel on June 26, 2012, 09:20:16 AM
Quote from: adidasguy on June 26, 2012, 08:57:27 AM
A dremel doesn't need a shop. It is a small, hand held thing about 1/8 the size of a router.

A rotary tool would do the same job correct? I have one of those, though larger than a dremel, but I'm pretty sure dremel bits would work with it. Sorry I'm a newb at this sort of thing. Kinda getting frustrated with my bike built because there's so many small but minor things I need to deal with.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: adidasguy on June 26, 2012, 10:24:52 AM
Similar. Dremel is a brand and what we call them. Like everything that wipes your noise is a Kleenex
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: ChiefScooter on June 26, 2012, 10:32:10 AM
Or lip balm is Chapstick, cotton swabs are Q-Tips, etc...
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: tialloydragon on June 26, 2012, 04:31:40 PM
Just run to a hardware store and buy shorter screws.  They're not particularly expensive.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: Huff1371 on June 26, 2012, 04:48:39 PM
Dremel or similar sized tool. But if you are newbie like you say, find someone who is extremely capable to show you. You get to learn, the screws get sized, AND you get to keep your fingers. I deal with this all the time at work and its quite common for one of my engineers to slice the bejeezus out of their hand trying to do something they "know how it works" but haven't actually been shown or done before.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: dread_au on June 26, 2012, 05:18:40 PM
or you could put on a washer to make the screw shorter?
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: Kijona on June 26, 2012, 07:48:43 PM
Quote from: adidasguy on June 26, 2012, 10:24:52 AM
Similar. Dremel is a brand and what we call them. Like everything that wipes your noise is a Kleenex

I don't know, Adidas. When I want to wipe my noise I use earplugs.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: adidasguy on June 27, 2012, 12:12:50 AM
Damn auto correct on this crappy iPad when traveling.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: MarkB on June 27, 2012, 05:28:51 AM
There are a number of youtube videos showing the process.  Here's one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW4Gg08GGFw&feature=related
If you don't have a vise, then you'd hold the screw in a pair of pliers.  The rotory tool (Dremel) with a cut-off wheel is an alternative to the hacksaw.  The rotory tool with a grinding wheel is an alternative to the file, but the process is essentially the same.

Note: if you use a high speed rotory tool, always, always, always wear safety glasses.  Cutting wheels in particular are prone to breaking and throwing pieces around.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: Huff1371 on June 27, 2012, 08:14:39 AM
Quote from: MarkB on June 27, 2012, 05:28:51 AM

Note: if you use a high speed rotory tool, always, always, always wear safety glasses.  Cutting wheels in particular are prone to breaking and throwing pieces around.
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS.
what size exactly do you need? EXAMPLE: M6x1 14mm
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: rock_rebel on July 04, 2012, 03:15:02 PM
Quote from: Huff1371 on June 27, 2012, 08:14:39 AM
Quote from: MarkB on June 27, 2012, 05:28:51 AM

Note: if you use a high speed rotory tool, always, always, always wear safety glasses.  Cutting wheels in particular are prone to breaking and throwing pieces around.
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS.
what size exactly do you need? EXAMPLE: M6x1 14mm

Screws for the cabs. I went to Home Depot to get the exact size, just theyre a tad bit too long.
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: Huff1371 on July 04, 2012, 03:19:10 PM
If you can give me the exact size I have probably have them in stainless. I forget what i used on mine. What ones did you buy?
Title: Re: How to cut hex screws?
Post by: twinrat on July 05, 2012, 04:07:22 PM
if they are a tad too long it wont hurt with them poking out below the fuel bowls