Can't break loose a fork drain screw :(

marshg246 said:
Sounds good, but those are special screws with short 1/4" UNC threads and a big head. If I remember right, there are only three threads on each. Where to you find Allen screws to replace them and what do you use for the washers then?
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Greg,
I got a set from Matt(CNW) but not sure if he still stocks them.
Mike
 
B+Bogus said:
www.rgmnorton.co.uk

FORK LEG DRAIN ALLEN SCREWS BSW WITH FIBER WASHERS (PR)

060354SA RGM NORTON BSW ALLEN DRAIN SCREWS FOR FORK LEG
www.rgmnorton.co.uk
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May work for old bikes but they are UNC for later. Since BSW and UNC in that size share a TPI and BSW is 55 degree and UNC are 60 degree they are not compatible but could be forced in.

For things that start as BSW, it' a simple matter to use a 1/4" UNC tap. Then 14-20 works well and BSW will still work but be a little loose. I do this for the 8 screws that hold the tappet spindle covers as it makes it easy to find polished stainless or chromed screws for those.

I've never gone the other way and would not on sliders are there are so few threads to engage.
 
I always thought the Dommies used 1/4 BSF. Same tpi (26) as CEI but different pitch?
I had a Dommie which had one later leg BSW and the other BSF. I had to be careful during fork oil changes.
IMG_2377.jpeg
 
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MexicoMike said:
Yeah - I don't have an impact driver here in Mexico. :( I do in Texas!

I'll try heating again - I didn't get it all that hot; I could still touch it with my finger tip.

I thought the 180cc was for forks that had been disassembled and that 150 was for draining/refilling. Do I have that wrong?
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Can you get some small visegrips on the outside of it, I've had great success on rusty brake line fittings etc if you can get the right part if the jaw on the part your unscrewing.
 
marshg246 said:
On the fork oil I had the same question. I've been using 180cc for clean and dry forks and 150cc for changes. I like the AN tutorials but often come away with "what about" questions.

For future reference:

You need a hammer impact screwdriver, not a powered screwdriver of any type for this. Just an example - lots to choose from: https://a.co/d/3noMx2i

Mine is at least 40 years old and I lost the bit set to I bought this set: https://a.co/d/7qWac8M

It/they have never failed - oil pump screws, sprocket screw, fork drain screws, Norton tach drive screws, Triumph "trap door" screws, and others.

IMHO, you're lucky the powered screwdriver didn't make things worse by destroying the slot or breaking the head off the screw.
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I think the first Motorcycle tool I bought over 50 years ago was a Hand Hammered Impact.
Still have it, been through multiple tips.
Great for removing stubborn screws on old crusty hinges.
The young-uns are usually impressed and ask, what is that thing? ;)
 
MichaelB said:
I think the first Motorcycle tool I bought over 50 years ago was a Hand Hammered Impact.
Still have it, been through multiple tips.
Great for removing stubborn screws on old crusty hinges.
The young-uns are usually impressed and ask, what is that thing? ;)
Click to expand...
My dad had a Vessel one which I now have and it’s only in the last year or so I realised the screwdriver chuck pulls off to reveal a 1/2 inch square drive for use with sockets! Duh!
That said, I’ve still never used it.
 
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marshg246 said:
Sounds good, but those are special screws with short 1/4" UNC threads and a big head. If I remember right, there are only three threads on each. Where to you find Allen screws to replace them and what do you use for the washers then?
Click to expand...

I got the Allen head fork drain bolts from Matt......Pretty and functional.........
 
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