Prevent cleat bolts...
 

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Prevent cleat bolts seizing?

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What can I apply to the threads of my cleat bolts to protect them from the elements and stop then from seizing?

I was thinking blue thread lock.

Thoughts/suggestions appreciated.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 1:05 pm
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Copper grease is the way forward - 500g tub from a local motor factors for <£10 and will last forever.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 1:07 pm
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Copper slip.

Or just assume you're going to have to drill the screw head off and then get a pair of mile grips on the stub


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 1:07 pm
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Copper slip perhaps.

Edit, way to slow.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 1:08 pm
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copper grease is what I use too.  100g tube from local motor factors, has lasted forever....


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 1:08 pm
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i've tried all sorts, but most effective is 30s with an allen key after a ride to just back them off a bit.

The arithmetic won't stack up (before the pedants leap in) but the time I spent drilling out a rounded out bolt far outweighs the time spent doing this. I can easily afford 30s vs the frustration of drilling bolts out of the most expensive shoes I own.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 1:10 pm
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Also - thread lock prevents them from seizing.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 1:13 pm
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Just loads of grease and lack of oaf like over-tightening in the first place?


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 1:22 pm
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Copper slip and make sure before you try and remove them that you dig out all the mud so the Allen key can fully engage.

Most times when they round it's because they didn't clean it and the Allen key was only half way in.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 1:55 pm
 LAT
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copper grease, don’t over tighten them and regrease them from time to time.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 2:19 pm
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I just use grease, never had a cleat move after installation or a problem to remove when worn


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 2:47 pm
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Clean the screws, clean the cleat nuts in your shoes (especially if they are older shoes!).
Blue threadlock on the threads and hand tighten.
Use silicone sealant in the hex head to keep them in tip top condition.
Take your footbed out and seal the cleat nuts from the inside with some Gorilla tape or similar.

When it finally comes to replacement time, pick the silicone out, undo your lovely, clean, as-new condition screws with your flat ended (not ball end!) allen key fully inserted, and replace your cleats like your a pro.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 3:12 pm
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Has anyone mentioned copperslip yet?

That's what I use. I've got a small tube of it that must be 10 years old and probably only half used.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 3:26 pm
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Cu Grease. You can pass 490 grammes of it on to your eldest son when you go.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 3:36 pm
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Some red grease that I got about 20 years ago that I use on most bolts that I don't want seizing. Dip the end in the grease and nip it tight but not stupid tight.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 3:42 pm
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Just grease has worked for me.

Most times when they round it’s because they didn’t clean it and the Allen key was only half way in.

Yeah, properly dig all the dirt out with a pick and use a good Allen key, not the ball end of temptation.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 3:49 pm
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Copaslip, just in case it's not mentioned yet.

Some red grease that I got about 20 years ago

I've got something similar from the 90s, branded as Purple Grease, but it's red. It just won't quit, or run out.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 4:01 pm
 imn
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Copperslip, with the added step of removing at least once a year


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 4:26 pm
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Plus clean out the heads with a small slow, drill bit (pretend to be a dentist) every 12 months and give em a quick turn with a decent quality hex.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 4:28 pm
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Run Crank Brothers cleats, they'll wear out before they've had chance to seize.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 5:18 pm
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I read lanolin as being recommended and it's worked for me, tho I used grease before OK.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 6:22 pm
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Copperslip.

And warm the cleat up then melt candle wax into the cleat and the slots in the shoe. Keeps the water out.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 6:42 pm
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had them seize with grease before, never had it again since using blue locktite


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 9:40 pm
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Aluminium slip, like copper slip but aluminium. Copper is so old fashioned.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 9:45 pm
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Every time I drill them out I always wish I’d remembered to use lanolin spray. 


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 10:10 pm
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or copperslip


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 10:11 pm
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Or nickel anti-seize…


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 10:57 pm
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As nobody has come up with the correct answer yet, here it is...

Copperslip.


 
Posted : 12/10/2023 11:53 pm
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Copaslip, but I also use stainless torx bolts and then fill in the bolt head, cleat space and cleat slots with candle wax.


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 12:38 pm
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Thanks for all the responses!

What's happened to the users of this site, there's (almost) a unanimous agreement on what to use. 😂

I should have said I've previously tried copper slip...would have saved some of you a reply, apologies for that.

There were a couple of lone voices supporting the thread lock idea, so I'll at least give that a go to see how it fares.

Thanks again.


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 1:08 pm

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