Triple Clamp (and handlebar clamp) Bolt issue

[marcmiller001]

Hi gang,

The weather in Michigan is getting a bit better so the R65LS project continues. I had sandblasted my handlebar and triple clamp, cleaned it thoroughly and am in the re-assembly process, but for some reason the 45mm long hex bolts that came out do not want to go all the way back in. I have cleaned the bolts and the clamps in, blown high compressed air repeatedly yet they don't seem to go in without a ton of effort. Suggestions? It seems all 4 bolts upper and lower are in the same boat - and about 1/2" too long... I don't want to strip anything so been working them over, cleaning, with no positive result.

[Matt Chapter]

I'm not 100% which bolts you're working on, but is there a chance you're coming from the wrong side?  I guess it's possible the blasting damaged the threads, but if so it would be visually obvious.

[marcmiller001]

There is only one side to come from... and I made sure to tape up the holes to minimize sand getting in there. Everything was washed with soap and water before painting and covered the holes during that process too. Could it be the bolts are stretched maybe?

[wilcom]

Could it be the bolts are stretched maybe?

Head to your local hardware store where they have a board of all sizes metric to see what bolt you 're trying to replace.

If it will screw into those threads easy I would purchase a bolt of the same size and take it back to the bile and see if a new bolt will screw in easily

A couple of pictures wouldn't hurt..... just say'n

[marcmiller001]

Welp... apparently they work. I kept cleaning and blowing out with high compressed air and all the bolts go in now. Even aligned my fork tubes. I guess I was being too paranoid.