Questions & Answers (click + for answers)

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• Q: How do I remove a stubborn screw that has an allen key fitting?
  On my motocycle there are 2 screws hold the passenger foot pegs on. I have actually managed to strip the actual allen key these things are on so tight. Is there anyway to loosen them up? I'm trying to be careful not to strip them. I'm a pretty strong kid and have been pulling on this allen key with all 240 lbs of me and still nothing. Any helP? My buddies dad is a mechanic and owns a shop, i'm assuming it wouldn't be a problem for him to get this out?

  A:If the allen holes are stripped you are going to need to use and "easy out" or some other product for removing stripped screws (I think Sears sells a product). The Easy Out is designed to be inserted into a hole drilled down the center of a broken screw. Your stripped allen hole my work without the needing to drill a new hole. This tool is then inserted in the new hole and its teeth grip the part as you turn it and twist out the broken or stripped screw. You will also need to use a fluid to assist in the removal. I've used a product called Wrench and another called Kroll. These penetrate the threads and lubricate the interface between the two parts they may also assist in dissolving any rust or oxides. Another thing to try is the application of heat. This will make the outer part increase in size as it heats up and possibly free any oxidation that might exist between the two parts. Take a propane torch to the parts and have your easy out ready to go as soon as it heats up. Be VERY careful when doing this,you will need to remove the gas tank and battery. Also be careful not to catch things like the seat on fire and don';t overheat the part as you can damage the heat treatment of some metals.
• Q: What Woody Allen production has a scene where he survives the apocalypse and gets in a VW bug that starts up?
  I really don't know where I heard of this scene, but as a semi Woody Allen fan, I'd really, really like to know what flick this is. His style of humor is timeless as his neurotic behaviorisms illustrate his contemptuous attitude towards life - as like other stage-like east coast Jewish fellows. No offense of course, just an observation.

  A:Sleeper 1973
• Q: What churches in Allen Texas are helping hurricane Ike evacuees?
  Allen Texas is next to Fairview Texas and Plano Texas just North of Dallas. And South of McKinney Texas. Any help would be appreciate. They need food, money, clothing, and baby formula especially. Allen wasn't hit at all but I have evacuees staying at my house.

  A:Hi, how badly was Allen hit? I have a friend who lives there. Thanks a lot.
• Q: How do I unscrew a worn-out allen screw?
  I have a treadmill with a worn-out allen screw. I have a set of allen keys, but the hexagon is wearing out, and the keys no longer fit. How do I get the screw out?

  A:See if you can find a "Easy out" that is small enough to use. Drill a hole in the screw and unscrew it with the "easy out". Auto parts stores carry them.
• Q: How do you remove a broken allen wrench?
  I broke off an allen head socket in a pivot stud and was wondering if there was anyway to get it out. Thanks

  A:Tap, not smash, it with a hammer. You might be able to use an ez-out.