Probably a really basic question but..

[ttr]

On my top yoke is a bolt I need to undo to fit my new headlamp, but it's a bit mangled, and the spanner wont grip it properly - I know it's the right size, as it worked for the other bolt.. But it just kinda slips round, instead of locking in and turning the bolt.


What does one do in this situation?

/n00b
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GS125-> NT400->VFR400->CRM250->Z750 + GS125->NTV650 rat + VMX1200->GSF600 + GPz550

[G]

First off, make sure you've got another nut to put back on.

For the top yolk it should be fairly easy.
Are you using a 6 point socket? If not, of these or a decent 'wall drive' or similar one will probably do it.

Failing that, you can try some kind of molegrip or similar. Alternatively, you could grind down the sides so they're a size smaller, but straight.

[ttr]

There are no nuts - the bolts screw through the yoke and into the forks.

What I'm using is not a six point socket, I'm not sure of the apt term for it though.

Basically it's one of these:

https://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50189268/Combination_Spanner.jpg

The ring type end, is what I'm using.



You'll have to forgive my ignorance, but... Wall drive? Molegrip?
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GS125-> NT400->VFR400->CRM250->Z750 + GS125->NTV650 rat + VMX1200->GSF600 + GPz550

[deanoet]

https://www.surplusandadventure.com/ishop/800/shopscr3213.html

molegrips
the harder you turn the tighter they grip
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[G]

My bad, I didn't actually read your post properly .

Get a new bolt then, if it's a bolt .

What you've pictured is a 12 point spanner.
The ring end has '12' points. A 6 pointed one will be similar to the shape of the bolt you are turning so less likely to slip.
A wall drive socket is designed to grip the sides rather than the corners of the bolt, meaning that it's less likely to slip and round it off even more.

Machinemart does sets of wall-drive sockets quite cheaply.

[ttr]

I think the bolt would need to be quite specific, looking at the other one. It has a rubber o-ring, and the shaft is wider than the head, and hollow, but it has a sort of domed lip between the shaft and the head.. Hard to describe, could get a pic if need be.


G, is this what you're referring to?

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro152-18pce-38-drive-socket-set

I searched and this is what I came across.

The bolt's head is 17mm, by the way.
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GS125-> NT400->VFR400->CRM250->Z750 + GS125->NTV650 rat + VMX1200->GSF600 + GPz550

[G]

Yep, something like that should be ideal.

I haven't used them myself, but I believe they are 6 point wall drive style.

Even if they don't do the job, it's a worthwhile addition to your tool kit .

[ttr]

Righto!

Given that they're the same price, would you say I'm better off getting the wall drive sockets or the molegrips?
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GS125-> NT400->VFR400->CRM250->Z750 + GS125->NTV650 rat + VMX1200->GSF600 + GPz550

[G]

Wall drive sockets definitely.

You can get more grips for less the fancy ones shown, ie:
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cht352-3-pce-lock-grip-plier-set

[TheShaggyDA]

Wall drive sockets give you a better chance of reusing nuts and bolts afterwards, molegrips are extremely useful for other things too. Ideally, you'd want both in your tool kit. I'd say molegrips first, but it's close really. Toss a coin
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[Andyco11]