How to remove striped bolts on inline skates
Short answer
To remove stripped bolts from your skates, use high-quality tools and improve grip with a rubber band or tape. If that doesn’t work, drill off the head or use a grab-it tool.
How to remove stripped bolts quickly and safely
Stripped bolts can make skate maintenance frustrating, but with the right techniques, you can remove stripped bolts efficiently without damaging your skates. Whether you're dealing with a worn-out bolt or one that simply won’t budge, knowing how to approach the problem will save you time and effort.
Check your tools before removing stripped bolts
Using the right tools is crucial when trying to remove stripped bolts. Many skates come with small Allen keys that lack the necessary torque and can make things worse. Instead, opt for high-quality tools such as:
- Seba Master Tool – Offers a strong grip and leverage.
- Sonic Y Tool – A reliable option for all skate maintenance.
If your tools are worn out, replacing them will help prevent further damage when attempting to remove stripped bolts.
Apply maximum pressure when turning the bolt
Before using advanced techniques, try applying direct pressure. Place your skate on a solid surface like a table or workbench. Press down firmly while slowly turning the bolt. Avoid sudden or forceful movements, as they can worsen the problem.
Best grip-enhancing methods to remove stripped bolts
If pressure alone isn’t enough, try these grip-enhancing techniques:
- Rubber band method: Place a thick rubber band over the bolt head before inserting your tool. The rubber fills in the stripped gaps, increasing grip.
- Electrical tape method: Wrap electrical tape around your Allen key before inserting it into the bolt. This creates a snug fit, reducing slippage.
- Super glue method: Apply a drop of super glue between the tool and the bolt, let it dry, then try removing the bolt again.
Drill off the bolt head if other methods fail
If none of the grip-enhancing techniques work, you may need to drill off the bolt head to remove stripped bolts. Use a high-quality 6mm or 7mm steel drill bit for the best results. Once the head is removed, use pliers to extract the remaining bolt thread. Be cautious—this method only works if there is enough bolt left to grip after drilling.
Using a grab-it tool for extreme cases
A grab-it tool is specifically designed to remove stripped bolts when standard methods fail. Follow these steps:
- Drill a small hole in the stripped bolt using the drill side of the bit.
- Flip the bit to the reverse-threaded side and insert it into the hole.
- Slowly rotate counterclockwise until the bolt loosens and comes out.
When drilling won’t work to remove stripped bolts
Some skates, especially freestyle or aluminum frame skates, have bolts that screw directly into the frame. In these cases, drilling off the head won’t fully remove stripped bolts since the remaining thread stays inside. A grab-it tool is your best option for these situations.
Preventing stripped bolts in the future
The best way to avoid having to remove stripped bolts is by preventing them from happening in the first place. Follow these steps:
- Always use high-quality tools when tightening bolts.
- Replace bolts as soon as they show signs of wear.
- Swap out a bolt head if it starts stripping before it becomes a bigger issue.
- Apply Loctite to frame bolts to prevent unnecessary loosening.
- Tighten bolts immediately if your skates start making unusual noises—loose parts can cause more damage over time.
Where to buy replacement bolts
If you need new bolts, visit our Thisissoul store in Amsterdam or check out our webshop for a full selection of skate hardware.