Black Bolts

[Groover]

Is there a way to prevent tool marks when working with black bolts? I noticed the bolts on my '87 Le Mans 1000 SE are all black (not sure if they are Black Oxide treated or not), but just removing them they now show wrench marks. Not sure how the factory got them on without damage.

Any tips on this? Not the end of the world, more like a quesiton on how the factory may have tightened them to specs without showing any tool markings.

[twowings]

There are special sockets that assembly-line workers use but I couldn't say just how expensive they are...

[yogidozer]

or just be careful, and get a black magic marker if needed?

[Groover]

Ok, good tips. I have seen those sockets with the pins. Might have to try some. The bolts on that SE are all blackened, including the long engine mounting bolts.

[Scud]

Put a thin piece of plastic over the bolt head (such as a sandwich bag). It gives a little cushion and sliding surface between the tool and the fastener. I learned this when trying not to mar the lovely blue anozided bits on my Scura's Ohlins forks.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Put a thin piece of plastic over the bolt head (such as a sandwich bag). It gives a little cushion and sliding surface between the tool and the fastener. I learned this when trying not to mar the lovely blue anozided bits on my Scura's Ohlins forks.

There's your winner, right there..

[Groover]

I'm loving this high-tech solution. Eat the sandwich, then protect the nuts and bolts. Win-Win