Replacement Bolts for HD - Harley Davidson Forums: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Forum

Cudakid · 03-26-2009, 03:07 PM

Hello everybody! I am a new owner of a 2008 FXSTC. My wife has a 2009 Sportster XL883L. We are brand new to the biker scene and to this forum.

So far, all I've done to our bikes is add a windshield, engine guard, saddlebags, and a clutch cover. I keep running into the same problem with all the torx drive bolts: they strip out very easily. I plan to do much of the routine mnx on the bikes myself as I am accustomed to doing that for our cars, but with this torx drive problem I am not looking forward to the hassle. I think it would be nice to have some boxes of spare bolts around, but I have had no luck at all in determining who the supplier(s) are for HD. I'd rather not have to go to the dealer for every nut and bolt.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

streetnoyz · 03-26-2009, 03:28 PM

first thing is to go to the new forum and intro yourself, then proceed to your local snap on tools, craftsman or matco tools dealer and get some high quality torx drivers. i prefer the hardened steel ones that fir onto a 3/8 or 1/4 in drive socket. the cheaply made ones do not fit right and will cause more problems as you have already experienced. The proper fitting torx should be very snug with no play or wiggle room. also should fit all the way into the bolt head not just ride on the top half. good luck.

Cudakid · 03-26-2009, 03:54 PM

I had not considered the possibility that my drivers were the problem. They aren't Craftsman, but I'm about to remedy that situation. Do you really think that's it? That would be great! Thanks for the suggestion!

**Dave63** · 03-26-2009, 03:55 PM

Ditto. Quality is important with torx bits and allens. If dealers used cheap tools, your bike would look like a$$ after they worked on it. Not to mention the quality of the steel isn't what it used to be, regarding the bolts.....

You can either buy a decent set, or figure out what you need, and just go get the sizes you use.....

**Kainam** · 03-26-2009, 05:27 PM

Along with the tool advice listed above, Ace Hardware and Truevalue usually have a good supply of nuts and bolts.... chrome, stainless, grade 8 etc....

Jacket4256 · 03-26-2009, 05:35 PM

I also found those lil buggers (torx) from autozone have held up pretty well I needed one a while back and stop by and it turned out to be well made and pretty dang strong, just a thought if your like me and flat broke all the time

Cudakid · 03-27-2009, 08:39 AM

Thanks to ALL who posted advice. I went out and followed your advice and bought a set of Craftsman torx and hex sockets from Sears yesterday. Went straight home and they worked MUCH better. The only problem I had was with a couple bolts that I had damaged using the crap tools. Not sure where I got them, but they were the little bits you stick in a screwdriver. I'll also check out Ace Hardware or Truevalue the next time I pass one for a few replacement bolts. Anyway, I feel much better now. Thanks again to all!

**Kainam** · 03-27-2009, 08:44 AM

Hey, anything to give someone an excuse to buy more tools!

Cudakid · 03-27-2009, 09:50 AM

Can you tell I was really tore up about having to go back to Sears for more Craftsman?? Aww, shucks.....

scol · 03-27-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetnoyz

first thing is to go to the new forum and intro yourself, then proceed to your local snap on tools, craftsman or matco tools dealer and get some high quality torx drivers. i prefer the hardened steel ones that fir onto a 3/8 or 1/4 in drive socket. the cheaply made ones do not fit right and will cause more problems as you have already experienced. The proper fitting torx should be very snug with no play or wiggle room. also should fit all the way into the bolt head not just ride on the top half. good luck.

I just picked up some craftsman torx and they aren't snug, is Harley using metric or in.?