Why is it that every time I go to replace my cleats on my shoes it’s as if they’re welded in place. Last night was not the first time I’ve ran the screwdriver through my thumb. There’s got to be an easier way. This time I ended up breaking out the dremmel tool and cutting off the cleat just so I could get the vise grips on the screws. It hasn’t really been that long since I replaced them so they aren’t excessively corroded. Does anyone have an easier way? Who’s got the secret?
Lube the screws before you put the new ones on. I live at the beach and get a fair bit of salt corrosion and stuff but never have any drama getting them off.
You could also be over-tightening. Perhaps use a torque wrench to make sure you’re not.
Put a couple of drops of a penetrating oil as close to the threads of each screw as possible then let them sit for a while. If it does not work the first time, let them sit overnight. This should loosen up the old screws. There are special oils for this since this technique is basic to any auto repair but anything thin like 3 in 1 or a spray of WD-40 should work on your shoes.
A dab of grease on the threads of the new screws will keep them from siezing in the future.
Totally agree. Grease the new screws before you put them in and you won’t have any problems.