[CrashRdKing14]

I have a question..
I was going to put a different timing cover on the Road King...I have already attempted to take out the bolts with a set of Torx wrenches...and the heads didn't really move much ,acted like they wanted to strip out the head.....so i was thinking that either an impact wrench with a torx bit or a ratchet with a torx socket would be better...any help.would be appreciated, Crashsking14

 

[MFXDB]

You can try using the next size up torx bit with a ratchet. I've always used a ratchet for that anyway, and sometimes when you think you have the right size it actually needs one size bigger. A manual impact wrench might work, just be gentle.

 

[WSM]

X2 on what MFXD said .

 

[CrashRdKing14]

You can try using the next size up torx bit with a ratchet. I've always used a ratchet for that anyway, and sometimes when you think you have the right size it actually needs one size bigger. A manual impact wrench might work, just be gentle.

Thank you....I will try that

 

[Dan89flstc]

When using a ratchet, don`t just put the torx socket directly on the ratchet, it is too easy for the bit to be crooked.

Use a long extension, it will make it much easier to keep the socket straight in the screw head.

A T handle is better than a ratchet.

What model and year bike are you working on?

 

[Old Road Dog]

When I hear impact wrench on the primary cover I cringe. Over the last 60 years Ive seen more primaries mucked up by Bobo YaYa and his impact wrench then anything else.. What Ive been using the last several years is a cordless screwdriver like the Dewalt gyroscopic DCF682. I use it for everything, not just working on bikes- residential electrical, carpentry etc. Whatever method used I have the primary cover outline drawn on a piece of cardboard with the corresponding screw holes punched in. As a screw/ bolt is removed its put in the appropriate hole which is numbered like in the FSM. Another words each screw goes back in its original hole. YMMV

 

[CrashRdKing14]

When using a ratchet, don`t just put the torx socket directly on the ratchet, it is too easy for the bit to be crooked.

Use a long extension, it will make it much easier to keep the socket straight in the screw head.

A T handle is better than a ratchet.

What model and year bike are you working on?

View attachment 825176

2014 road king..timing cover that as far as I can tell has never been off

 

[CrashRdKing14]

When I hear impact wrench on the primary cover I cringe. Over the last 60 years Ive seen more primaries mucked up by Bobo YaYa and his impact wrench then anything else.. What Ive been using the last several years is a cordless screwdriver like the Dewalt gyroscopic DCF682. I use it for everything, not just working on bikes- residential electrical, carpentry etc. Whatever method used I have the primary cover outline drawn on a piece of cardboard with the corresponding screw holes punched in. As a screw/ bolt is removed its put in the appropriate hole which is numbered like in the FSM. Another words each screw goes back in its original hole. YMMV

Thank u

 

[1/2 Ton]

When I hear impact wrench on the primary cover I cringe. Over the last 60 years Ive seen more primaries mucked up by Bobo YaYa and his impact wrench then anything else.. What Ive been using the last several years is a cordless screwdriver like the Dewalt gyroscopic DCF682. I use it for everything, not just working on bikes- residential electrical, carpentry etc. Whatever method used I have the primary cover outline drawn on a piece of cardboard with the corresponding screw holes punched in. As a screw/ bolt is removed its put in the appropriate hole which is numbered like in the FSM. Another words each screw goes back in its original hole. YMMV

I got one of those Dewalt gyroscopic screwdriver gizmos as a gift. No kidding; I probably had that for 2 years before i took the time to really take a close look at it (I thought it was broken, as all it did when i hit the button was vibrate... Thought how friggin stupid is this idea!) Then i actually read the box... That thing is friggin AWESOME!
Now it is my go to! When ya want just a little, (like sheet metal screws in plastic) it gives just enough.
When ya want to drive a 4" framing or drywall screw to to sub flush, that little screwdriver shows off it's muscle!
Works just as great in pulling screws and torx too!

 

[slingshot383]

Remember! Harley uses Torx+ (yes, it is different).

 

[Dan89flstc]

Remember! Harley uses Torx+ (yes, it is different).

That is probably why so many derby cover screws are rounded out.

The internet says T27, but a T25P fits better.

 

[Breeze3at]

Original post was for TIMER COVER removal, a couple of posts are referring to derby cover and primary cover. Timer cover is on the cam cover on the right side of the bike with the 5 itty bitty screws.

 

[1/2 Ton]

Original post was for TIMER COVER removal, a couple of posts are referring to derby cover and primary cover. Timer cover is on the cam cover on the right side of the bike with the 5 itty bitty screws.

Just took a look at those on my bike, appear to be the same torx style but, T-20 torx tip.
Last time i took that cover off was years ago, on a shovelhead (to actually set the points and timing).

 

[Old Road Dog]

Original post was for TIMER COVER removal, a couple of posts are referring to derby cover and primary cover. Timer cover is on the cam cover on the right side of the bike with the 5 itty bitty screws.

Just a matter of tme before he works his way over to the other side. I have a sense for this sort of thing.Its a gift.

 

[Dan89flstc]

Original post was for TIMER COVER removal, a couple of posts are referring to derby cover and primary cover. Timer cover is on the cam cover on the right side of the bike with the 5 itty bitty screws.

Since the discussion is about Torx head fasteners, it seemed to be on topic to discuss the proper tools to use, and an example of the consequence of using the wrong type/size.

Do you have some help for the OP?

 

[CrashRdKing14]

Original post was for TIMER COVER removal, a couple of posts are referring to derby cover and primary cover. Timer cover is on the cam cover on the right side of the bike with the 5 itty bitty screws.

Yep that's it

 

[Breeze3at]

Since the discussion is about Torx head fasteners, it seemed to be on topic to discuss the proper tools to use, and an example of the consequence of using the wrong type/size.

Do you have some help for the OP?

My "help" for the op was as relevant as your reply was. You are thin skinned aren't you Dan?

 

[Dan89flstc]

My "help" for the op was as relevant as your reply was. You are thin skinned aren't you Dan?

Not thinned skinned at all.

Go back and read post # 5.

I made 2 posts, and both offered some technical information regarding Torx fasteners.

Unlike you, I tried to help the op.

 

[tommytailspin]

I have a question..
I was going to put a different timing cover on the Road King...I have already attempted to take out the bolts with a set of Torx wrenches...and the heads didn't really move much ,acted like they wanted to strip out the head.....so i was thinking that either an impact wrench with a torx bit or a ratchet with a torx socket would be better...any help.would be appreciated, Crashsking14

an impact driver you hit with a hammer like we used to use on metric bikes to loosen phillups head screws. if the torx heads strip out grind a straight slot in them with a die grinder and then use the std screw driver bit for the impact driver.

 

[pipewizard]

I wholeheartedly agree with the impact driver mentioned above. Get one that will accept 3/8” sockets and get a set of Torx sockets. I also have a sense that you’ll want them for the other side of the bike before to long!!