Looking at replacing some stem bolts, think I need to reuse the existing washers as they have a convex profile onto the stem…not entirely happy at seating the new bolts there without them.

Washers appear to be ‘captive’ on the existing bolt, any tips?

Can I just free them by removing the bolt head…or would they be too small for the new non-captive shank?

Try threading them off.

Yeah, tried but they don’t seem to get very far.

Assuming the same threads, if they won’t go off one they won’t go on the other…

Cut heads off, retrieve washers and Dremel the insides a bit would be my approach.

Ah Dremel, good thinking…that could work, cheers!