{"id":3558,"date":"2022-08-13T04:36:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-13T04:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=3558"},"modified":"2022-08-13T03:18:42","modified_gmt":"2022-08-13T03:18:42","slug":"are-bmx-stem-bolts-universal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/are-bmx-stem-bolts-universal\/","title":{"rendered":"Are BMX Bike Stem Bolts Universal?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The stem and handlebar of your BMX bike can\u2019t practically hold in position without proper stem bolts. So if your bolts are loose from overly wearing out and you\u2019re looking for replacements, it\u2019s important to get what\u2019s specific to BMX bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the thing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stem bolts come in different shapes and sizes, which means it\u2019s easy to find something suitable for your BMX bike. But are BMX stem bolts universal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are BMX Stem Bolts Universal? (Quick Answer)<\/h2>\n\n\n
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BMX stem bolts are universal only for BMX bikes. They come in different sizes including 5\/16\u201d, M5, M6, and M8. Understand that as much as the stem bolts are universal for BMX, it\u2019s important to measure the diameter to get what\u2019s right for the bike. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why we recommend getting the size of the stem bolt diameter right is because you want the bolt to fit and be tight enough. If the bolt isn\u2019t tight enough, the stem is likely to shake and the handlebar won\u2019t be in the right position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Size are BMX Stem Bolts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

BMX bike stem bolts are available in different shapes and sizes. The most common ones that you\u2019ll come across include the 5\/16\u201d, M5, M5, and M8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make sure we\u2019re on the same page, M is a designation Metric for bike bolts and the number denotes the diameter of a bold measure in millimeters. Moreover, each bolt has a thread pitch, which varies quite significantly depending on its diameter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the M5 bolt is 5 millimeters in diameter and has a standard thread pitch of 0.8 millimeters. The M6 stem bolt has a diameter of 6 millimeters and a thread pitch of 1.0 millimeter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The M8 is unique a little more detailed in my view. To say the least, it can have a standard thread pitch of either 1.0 or 1.25mm, although the latter is the standard. Not only is the diameter of the head 11mm, the threaded portion can have a length of 24 or 33mm, with the latter being the most common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that these are standard measurements and don\u2019t very on bolts of the same size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BMX stem bolts are unique in the sense that they\u2019re only suitable for BMX bikes. Therefore, we can\u2019t guarantee that they will work well for other types of bikes<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Tight Should a BMX Stem Bolt Be?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A BMX bike stem bolt shouldn\u2019t be too tight or too loose. Rather, the tightening should just right so that the stem doesn\u2019t twist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From what I understand, you should tighten the bolt a few turn in the clockwise direction, making sure you\u2019re doing so as recommended. In other words, the right approach is to tighten the bolt as stated on the stem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tighten the bolt to the 75-inch per pounds point and then stop it at that. To be clear, the 75inch\/pound load applies to all the BMX stem bolds and you should therefore observe it as a strict tightening rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tightening to the right load ensures the bolts last longer, but doing the opposite can cause damages to the stem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Replace BMX Stem?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have the right toolset and the time to do the job, replacing the current BMX stem with a new shouldn\u2019t be difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, understand that a bigger percentage of BMX stems have a similar structure. Whether you wish to get a front or a top-load model, they all feature a four-bolt system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that said, here\u2019s what you need to do to replace the BMX stem:<\/p>\n\n\n\n