This might sound like a bit of a blonde question, but its got me a little stumped.  How do you access the header bolts with a wrench?



My problem is that I can't get a wrench in infront of the frame (see picture).  And when I put an extension on to have a go from the other side of the frame, the frame fouls the extension. 

Obviously there is a solution here, because people are putting on and taking off their header bolts all the time!

So what's the trick? 

a universal joint works like one of these http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-GOODWRENCH-3-8-UNIVERSAL-JOINT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247QQcategoryZ43998QQihZ012QQitemZ220172019322QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

stupid picasa. images aren't working again. switching to photobucket for links. 

the ball-end allen keys work great for this.


okie, images working again. from now on photobucket for my links

Yes, the 'L' shaped allen keys fit in there. Still a tight fit, but thats what I use.

   -Anti 

I ditched the internal hex bolts for standard hex bolts.  Now I can use a wrench.   

If you get a cheap set of the ball-end allen wrenches, and saw it off just before the bend, you can slip it in a socket and use a ratchet. It's a little easier to use than a universal, and just as effective.

Quote from: jp on March 12, 2008, 11:17:38 AM
If you get a cheap set of the ball-end allen wrenches, and saw it off just before the bend, you can slip it in a socket and use a ratchet. It's a little easier to use than a universal, and just as effective.

I like this Idea!

I never seem to have a problem using an extension - generally I use a 6 inch extension.

BTW - good piece of mind is to replace the bolts every time you take them out - they rust out pretty quickly.

After heading to the hardware store and baulking at the price of a set of ball-head allen keys ($40!), I figured there must be a better way...

This is what I have come up with, and it works an absolute treat. 


All you need is a ring spanner and one of those hex adaptors.  Could not be easier, and cost nothing.

Quote from: philward on March 13, 2008, 03:53:59 PM
After heading to the hardware store and baulking at the price of a set of ball-head allen keys ($40!), I figured there must be a better way...

This is what I have come up with, and it works an absolute treat. 


All you need is a ring spanner and one of those hex adaptors.  Could not be easier, and cost nothing.

oh just look at you. all fancy and ingenious. and you bike is too clean. some people - sheesh

I'm still trying to figure out how to get the rusty a$$ bolts out without breaking them off in the head.It looks like they have fused with the head and become one.

Quote from: ben2go on March 13, 2008, 04:54:54 PM
I'm still trying to figure out how to get the rusty a$$ bolts out without breaking them off in the head.It looks like they have fused with the head and become one.

pbblaster , heat cycle, pbblaster, heat cycle, pbblaster, then turn em out. then there's always my friend the left twist cobalt drill

Quote from: ohgood on March 13, 2008, 05:45:56 PM

Quote from: ben2go on March 13, 2008, 04:54:54 PM
I'm still trying to figure out how to get the rusty a$$ bolts out without breaking them off in the head.It looks like they have fused with the head and become one.

pbblaster , heat cycle, pbblaster, heat cycle, pbblaster, then turn em out. then there's always my friend the left twist cobalt drill

I got a full set of nut and bolt extractors.My engine is in great condition and I don't wanna have to tare it down to fix a bolt thats broke off in the head.I use PB Blaster and soak with ATF transmission fluid.To bad you can't hit it with an impact gun.