non-allan/hex axle hardware

[wickedslappah 6]

Anyone make/buy non allan/hex axles? I find hex allan screws/bolts are extremely vulnerable to stripping...

Since buying new expensive wheels, I have also had to spend money/time for axles because I cannot get my wheels torqued down properly.

Anyone got tips for similar problems? Thread locker on the mating threads? It seems everytime I want to change wheels, rotate wheels, change/clean bearings I have to replace axles due to stripped axle screws...

[the_game 452]

Invest in some Loctite, I've been using it forever & never had any stripping.

[greasy17 19]

Invest in some Loctite, I've been using it forever & never had any stripping.

I think he is talking about the allen head of the axle getting stripped easily, not the threaded portion.

What skates are these? Allen heads usually get stripped because of using too short of an allen key. I use an allen key that can reach all of the way to the bottom of the allen head hole in the bolt. The more contact area you have when loosening/tightening the less chance you have of stripping the heads out. For example on my Red Star E Frames, the axles allen key hole is about an inch deep and I use a T-Handle allen key that is 7" long. I know it is overkill and a 4-5" allen key would work fine, but that is what I have for tools. I never had any stripping issues, but my friend that had the same exact setup did because he used the bearing popper tool's allen key. The bearing popper tool's allen key was les than a half inch long.

In terms of tightening axles, you should not really have to torque them down. I will seat the axle properly, by screwing it in with minimal effort until I get some resistance. From that point I will only turn the axle another half turn. You want it tight, but not to the point that it restricts the movement of the wheel during free spin.

Hope this helps!

[romdj 26]

For example on my Red Star E Frames, the axles allen key hole is about an inch deep

Very interesting, I'm having that issue as well therefore do you know where I could find such axles?

[greasy17 19]

Very interesting, I'm having that issue as well therefore do you know where I could find such axles?

The axles I have with my E Frames are the stock hardware that came with the skates. What skates are you using? I know the Mission skates go with the 2 piece axle setup and the allen key holes are very shallow.

[wickedslappah 6]

Yeah, even before I read you're response, I figured out it was the crappy skate tool I bought. I used one of those long hook alan keys and was able to get much more leverage to torque down the wheeels. Much better now.

[start_today 769]

Cheaper axle systems tend to be made of softer metal, and can be prone to stripping. I know this was an issue for mission before they were purchased by Bauer.

Like others have said, it's important to have a proper fitting tool tha allows you to apply consistent, even pressure.

[romdj 26]

The axles I have with my E Frames are the stock hardware that came with the skates. What skates are you using? I know the Mission skates go with the 2 piece axle setup and the allen key holes are very shallow.

I have a couple of different setups, but would happily trade in the axles for deeper ones as the shallow axles I have installed right now are not holding on well and I have to take out the drill every now and then. but yeah, mission axles are quite shallow.

The axles I have with my E Frames are the stock hardware that came with the skates. What skates are you using? I know the Mission skates go with the 2 piece axle setup and the allen key holes are very shallow.

I have a couple of different setups, but would happily trade in the axles for deeper ones as the shallow axles I have installed right now are not holding on well and I have to take out the drill every now and then. but yeah, mission axles are quite shallow.