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Softest bolts ever?

Elliot-A51

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Is it just me or are all the bolts and screws on the Bronco incredibly soft? Even using the proper Torx-plus or whichever mm bolt I am working on they are constantly stripping. At this rate I am going to have half of the bolts and screws replaced before I've even had my Bronco 2 months. I haven't had a vehicle that everything that is screwed in is so soft that I have to regularly run out to get replacements to finish the mod I am working on. Surely it just isn't me, right?

The ones shown are TP27 on the third brake light and while they are still useable are nearly already stripped after just one removal and re-screwing to put an extender in. Wtf Ford?!

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toymaster

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With torx it is easy to use a size bit that is to small. You have to make sure it is a tight fit and do not let it slip.

Also, there is a torx and a torx plus, the plus was created in the '60s to help prevent camout. The tricks are to use the correct bit and have your tool square with the fastener.
 

NiceBronco

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I’d guess that most fasteners are not made in North America.

I typically use hand tools only and refrain from impact drivers.
 
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Elliot-A51

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They likely have loctite on them. Hit them with a little heat first.
Some do and some don't seem to. These came out and went in
With torx it is easy to use a size bit that is to small. You have to make sure it is a tight fit and do not let it slip.

Also, there is a torx and a torx plus, the plus was created in the '60s to help prevent camout. The tricks are to use the correct bit and have your tool square with the fastener.
oh I am well aware of torx and torx plus (as I did specifically mention this is. TP bolt in my original post) and have plenty of TP bits. I agree on the size thing and ways do try to use the largest that will fit.

Tool square ... Hrm ... So don't have it at a wonky angle 🤣 check
 
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lapazleo

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Never had a problem personally.
 
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Elliot-A51

Elliot-A51

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I will say that I did get my Bronco used so there is a chance a bunch of these were slightly stripped from previous owner if he didn't use Torx plus. That might be what's causing the slippage now as my mods are starting with the easy and obvious mods so he might have had similar
 
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Valhalla

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Sorry you are dealing with this... Which bolts specifically? If it's something that I deleted and I still have it, I might be able to help out. You can check out my build to see what I've deleted.
 
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Elliot-A51

Elliot-A51

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Sorry you are dealing with this... Which bolts specifically? If it's something that I deleted and I still have it, I might be able to help out. You can check out my build to see what I've deleted.
Thanks! Right now I was just chucking on a tail light extender. These I managed to get back in before they were completely dead but I doubt they'll have another round in them. I don't mind getting other headed bolts and screws to replace stuff I was just surprised by these. I had one interior spot that had similarly soft heads that I just ended up getting same-threaded hex bolts to replace. Not everywhere has been like this (tailgate support brace all were fine)

I appreciate the offer (and I'm gonna go check out your mods now) I was just mainly trying to figure out if there were specific ones that are lesser quality so I can prepare myself ahead of time as I am modding. Maybe I worded the original post poorly
 

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Valhalla

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Thats cool, I deleted the stalk as I got rid of the rear tire carrier. So, I believe I have all but the 3 I used on the new installation.
 

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Is it just me or are all the bolts and screws on the Bronco incredibly soft? Even using the proper Torx-plus or whichever mm bolt I am working on they are constantly stripping. At this rate I am going to have half of the bolts and screws replaced before I've even had my Bronco 2 months. I haven't had a vehicle that everything that is screwed in is so soft that I have to regularly run out to get replacements to finish the mod I am working on. Surely it just isn't me, right?

The ones shown are TP27 on the third brake light and while they are still useable are nearly already stripped after just one removal and re-screwing to put an extender in. Wtf Ford?!

image.jpg
My overall experience with torx fasteners has not been good. I have them on my CJ-7 and they've been a pain in terms of stripping, especially after some corrosion. I've had to drill them out on the various hinges.

And I've also twisted/broken bits. Personally I don't think it's a good design, but maybe they are used for appearances.
 

Lcubed

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Cux211

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Another thing with torx bits is don’t use some cheap harbor freight or Walmart tool make sure you have a quality set sockets and drivers
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