[RBW] Grip King/ MKS Lambda pedal spikes

[carne...@bellsouth.net]

Recent order from RBW included a bag of blunt pedal spikes. Installed
8 per pedal in the manner described on the RBW site, except I did not
have the appropriate vise-grip. Used a slightly over-sized socket
wrench instead. After a short rainy test ride I was well satisfied
with the results except that on inspection later in the evening, 3 of
the spikes were missing, all from the non drive side pedal. I accept
that this was most likely due to user error. My theory is that the
missing spikes were started crooked and when snugged down to the
straight position the shallow threads were stripped.
Nevertheless, it prompted a trip to the local hardware. Their thread
sizing board identified the spikes as 4mm with a 0.7mm thread pitch.
They had the matching plug tap in stock for $3.79 (made in the USA).
Recommended drill bit is a #30 wire gauge bit (3.26mm diam.) for
$2.99. While there I purchased a 100 mm vise grip for $12.99 (made in
Taiwan).
I am passing this information along in case it would save some time
for someone else who may prefer to cut the threads with a tap.
David

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[amoll68]

David,

I installed spikes in my GKs, but didn't need to tap them - can't
recall the bit size I used. I do know that the first hole was slightly
too big (maybe what happened to you?) I went down a size, and they all
went in fine, and I haven't lost a spike in over a year. IIRC, I used
a small metric socket to drive them home.

They work great - esp. in the wet.

Alex

[carne...@bellsouth.net]

I used a 7/64 bit (half way between the 3/32 and 1/8 recommended by
RBW. The spikes that stayed in are tight. I have checked and think I
would have a difficult time removing them to re-thread. I really think
my mistake was not getting them started straight. Two that fell out
were in the extreme outboard holes where I had a previous pedal strike
on pavement that had deformed the "lip" and probably pretty much
guaranteed that I would start them crooked.
I am not suggesting that secure installation requires tapping. Just
another option. A little more complicated, but not that expensive if
you leave out the new vice grip.
David

[doc]

I had a pair of never used Adidas track shoes with an assortment of
both indoor and outdoor spikes in the basement, along with a spike
wrench. (I really need to clean out my basement) Drilled a hole
slightly smaller than the threads, dabbed on a drop of machine oil,
and then used the spike wrench to twist them in. I only used two on
each toe area, and they work great.

On May 3, 10:23 pm, "carnerda...@bellsouth.net"

[jose]

I tried it without a drill. Just screwed them in gently and straight
(enough), and once they took hold, then I applied stronger pressure on
the socket wrench.

About a 6 months and 1500 commute miles later, I've still got 7 of the
8 studs in there. The missing one appears to have been knocked off by
a pedal strike, judging by the deep scrapes on the outer edge where
the stud is missing.

[Z I]

For those who like metric, I used a 3.5mm drill bit to drill out the
holes in my pedals. I didn't have any spikes, but I had a bag of 4mm
stainless steel set screws. Didn't bother tapping the holes. I just
screwed the set scews in with an allen wrench, backing them out a bit
when it felt like they were binding, before screwing them the rest of
the way in. Worked great! I agree with David, getting them started
straight is key.

- Zach

On May 3, 5:23 pm, "carnerda...@bellsouth.net"