Stripped headset bolt ?

I have a made-of-putty cane creek headset bolt that's stripped - any suggestions on how to remove it ? Need to get the forks off for a service...

Are they fox forks ? If so bring the bike to James in OCTuning www.octuning.ie and he'll sort out everything for you !

Cut a slot in it and remove with a flat head screwdriver

Or

Drill the top off the allen bolt and the cap will pop off. Remove the bolt with a pliars.

If the allen head is rounded, you can sometimes tap an oversize torx into it.
or gently smash the cap off, and either grab bolt with vicegrip or drive the Bolt & star out the bottom.

Drilling out the bolt is the quickest way of doing it.. use a sharp 6mm drill bit and lots of 3-1 oil from a can (not spray oil - its too light).. do not use a drill bit smaller than a 6mm... if your careful and steady you can simply drill the top of the bolt off and the compression in the headset will simply pop the cap off without any damage whatsoever.. when drilling go at a medium to slow speed otherwise you could burn out the cutting head of the drill bit and case harden the steel bolt making it even more difficult to remove..

or

Another way is to cut the top cap in half using a junior hack saw.. use the slot in them stem to allow the saw blade to pass through it.. take your time.. its soft aluminium and will cut easily compared to the bolt.. you'll have to cut one half then twist it round with a flat blade to do the other side.. Once the top cap is loose then you can simply unscrew the bolt with your fingers.. no pliers, vice grips or the likes needed as there is no compression on the cap..

There's absolutely no need to drop the forks off to any shop for this.. unless you have time to waste & money to burn or are mechanically retarded... its easy to do if you have the tools, patience and a bit of cop on.. if you can't or don't want to do it then drop the forks over to me and I'll do it for you for free..

Brilliant Gerry - tell it like it is!!

Probably a crazy idea but would you (or one of the other mechanically gifted guys) consider running a basic bike maintenance course over the winter? I know it's not "Rocket Science" but it does take a bit of confidence to take on some maintenance jobs. There is no excuse for paying somebody for changing UST tyres, adjusting headsets, adjusting derailleurs etc. I know I'd happily pay for somebodys time to learn the basics once and for all!

Yes.. I do get a bit over enthusiastic sometimes.. especially with the nonsensical crap that gets churned out here all the time..

Absolutely no problem Rich...I have been asked by several people to do something like this over the last few months.. I've also been doing personal bike mechanic lessons with a few happy customers already..

If people are interested I'll do it..

Thanks for all the advice.

Was hoping to avoid the drilling but I guess its the best option.

Hey while we're handing out advice...
any magic tricks to removing seized seatposts?
i've one that's giving me a right pain.
any suggestions would be appreciated.
thanks

Good man Gerry, if I realised you were servicing forks for free I wouldn't have dropped mine in to James for a service yesterday !!!

I'd suggest visiting a doctor !

ha.
i was asking for that!