Repairing Guides

how to repair bolt hole threads

by Demetrius Oberbrunner Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Try a longer bolt. Over time bolt s and threads sometimes lose their strength. Due to friction or corrosion, the threads can deteriorate.
  • Use a thicker bolt. If most of the threads have been a victim of damage you may be able to increase the size of the hole.
  • Insert a helicoil. If neither of the options above are doing it for you can use a Helicoil. A Helicoil is a coil wired thread insert.
  • Try an aluminum braising rod. If you are able to you can heat up the area and use an aluminum braising rod. ...
  • Use JB Weld. If you’re looking for something a little quicker or more permanent you might want to try JB Weld. ...
  • Try strands of copper wire. Copper wire, which can usually be purchased at your local hardware store, is also a good option. ...
  • Use aluminum foil. Just like the the copper wire above aluminum foil can be used in the same fashion. ...
  • Pour some Loctite epoxy. Certain types of Loctite are made not only for keeping a bolt secured but they also create epoxy to help repair threads.
  • Use a welder. Well if you’ve made it this far and nothing else worked you might to to try your hand at welding. ...
  • In conclusion. Not all hope is lost! If you tighten your bolt two turns past stripped you might be able to repair the hole and get everything back up and ...

Part of a video titled How To Fix a Stripped Out Bolt Hole - YouTube
2:16
8:36
So it's really easy to cross thread one in there and tear the threads up and then you go to cinch itMoreSo it's really easy to cross thread one in there and tear the threads up and then you go to cinch it down and you just pull the rest of the threads out.

How do you re- thread a bolt?

To rethread a bolt, you will need:

  • A bolt thread repair tool/kit
  • Lubricating oil to reduce the friction caused by rusting
  • A vise to help secure the bolt in place when working on it
  • A wrench

How to restore bolt threads?

Whether your bolt is cross-threaded or has threads that are flat, there’s a fix. The first tool you could use is a thread file, or thread restoring file. This tool actually has 8 different sizes of thread pitch on it, everything from 11 up to 24. Taking the flat threads and running them over the file will get rid of them.

How can you loosen a bolt that has been welded?

What to Do When a Frozen Bolt Tosses a Wrench in Your Plans

  • Rusty Stuff. I’ve been fixing old rusty stuff since I was a kid. ...
  • Best Way to Loosen Rusted Parts. Patience alone may be the best way to loosen rusted parts since no matter what method you want to use, you need to use ...
  • Planning Ahead. ...
  • Let it Soak. ...
  • Leverage is King. ...
  • Cheater. ...
  • Downside of Cheating. ...
  • Broken Bolts. ...
  • Welder to the Rescue. ...
  • Drill and Tap. ...

More items...

How to drill out a bolt and tap a thread?

How to Tap Screw and Bolt Threads

  1. Tap Used. There are different types of taps. ...
  2. Video of Tapping a Hole. Here is a video on the whole process. ...
  3. Drill Hole in Material for Tapping. The tap you will be using will need a corresponding drill bit to drill a hole in the material you want to ...
  4. Tapping the Hole. ...
  5. Test With a Bolt With the Correct Threads. ...

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Can you rethread a bolt hole?

Use a rethreading tap to restore threads on nuts or threaded engine component holes. Don't try to rethread the entire bolt, hole or nut in one operation. Insert the rethreading tap or die and rotate a few turns, then back it off a full turn. That will dislodge the debris from the teeth.

How do you fix a stripped bolt hole threaded insert?

How to Fix a Stripped Screw Thread with InsertsRemove the Bolt. The first thing you will need to do is remove the bolt. ... Clean the Remaining Threads. ... Find the Right Drill Size. ... Screw the Thread Insert onto the Installation Tool. ... Screw in the Thread Insert.

Can you fix stripped threads on a bolt?

1:123:08How to Repair Damaged Threads on a Bolt - Kevin Caron - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it's just like a die out of a tap and die set. But the threads are on the outside. So basicallyMoreSo it's just like a die out of a tap and die set. But the threads are on the outside. So basically you're just going to find the right size or the right pitch thread. And there's four different thread

How do you fix a threaded metal hole?

5:4016:18How to repair stripped threads in aluminium or steel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo start off I'm spraying some cutting fluid into the hole and proceeding to drill it out using theMoreTo start off I'm spraying some cutting fluid into the hole and proceeding to drill it out using the supplied drill bits.

Will Loctite fix a stripped threads?

Loctite® Form-A-Thread® It restores worn, stripped or damaged threads and eliminates future corrosion, galling, seizing, and rust, and allows up to 128 ft. lbs. of torque between -65°F to 300°F. It permanently repairs stripped threads and fasteners in five minutes (up to SAE Grade 5 English and 8.8 metric).

Can you Retap a hole the same size?

This is done in a similar manner as a tap, but the shaft of the part threads through the die as it cuts the threads. In most cases, parts like these can be re-threaded, but they must be done with the same size threads, you can't cut the next size smaller threads.

How do you rethread a bolt without a tap?

0:352:11Easily repair a cross threaded hole without a tap! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSlide to the bolt will make our act as a cutter when it gives it a relief for the material to getMoreSlide to the bolt will make our act as a cutter when it gives it a relief for the material to get into the slide. Once you run that through the thread your bolts for reading with its.

How do you Rethread a nut?

0:302:51Fix Stripped Nut/Bolt (Tap & Die Set) // Supercheap Auto - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy a quarter turn anti-clockwise. To clear the metal shavings from the thread. Repairing. AnMoreBy a quarter turn anti-clockwise. To clear the metal shavings from the thread. Repairing. An internal thread using a tap occurs in much the same way.

How do you repair threads?

1:555:40Thread Repairs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen we strip the threads out of the inside of a hole things can get a little more complicated.MoreWhen we strip the threads out of the inside of a hole things can get a little more complicated. Sometimes you can just drill the stripped hole out and thread it for a larger fastener.

How do you fill screw holes in metal?

You can use a hard piece of cardboard, a kit applicator, or a putty knife. Make sure that you apply epoxy until the entire hole is filled or repaired. Epoxy will form over the metal surface and the edges of the hole will overlap a bit. Allow the epoxy to harden.

How do you use thread repair inserts?

3:255:17How to Use & Install Helicoil Thread Inserts | Fasteners 101 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you have to apply pressure as you do it it should be down just about 2 turns from the top. AndMoreAnd you have to apply pressure as you do it it should be down just about 2 turns from the top. And that's what it is ok. So there it is. And once they're in there. It's hard to back it off.

Can you screw into JB Weld?

I've used both JB and epoxy with good results... Take some steel wool and mix some in with the epoxy/JB and stick it in the hole. I've done both methods (sticking screw back in while wet and re-drilling after cured) and prefer just sticking the screw back in while wet.

What's better Time-Sert or HeliCoil?

After doing a bit of research it sure seems to me that the Time-Sert is the clear choice for a more full-proof 'permanent" fix. The only advantage to a Helicoil I found, is that it is cheaper. Being in the industry for a little while I have seen time and time again, that cheaper is never better.

How to clean bolts after removal?

Once you have removed the bolt, use a clean rag, some compressed air, and penetrating oil to cleanse the remaining threads . If you have a Shop-Vac, it can be very helpful for this process.

How to remove a bolt that has been stripped?

If the hole is completely stripped and you cannot get enough grip to remove the bolt, you will need to drill into the center of the bolt and have a bolt extractor on hand to remove it .

Can a thread chaser remove rust?

This is the easier of the two options to fix stripped bolt holes, given that the thread chaser will carve away rust and help redefine the threads, but it will not remove or reform the metal. This is very useful in areas around the engine, where manifold intake could be a problem with metal fillings. In reality, this is more like cleaning out the ...

Can you make a stripped bolt hole work?

Many people are tempted to try and “make it work” when it comes to dirty or damaged female threads; however, this is not wise. It is better to deal with a stripped bolt hole as soon as you realize it's a problem. Dealing with a stripped bolt hole can be a bit irritating, but it's a lot less irritating than dealing with the damage that one can cause.

Can you replace a stripped bolt hole?

After all of this, you should be able to easily replace the bolt into its new hole. It’s important to understand how to replace a stripped bolt hole, particularly if you work with cars frequently, specifically if you work with older cars. Like with many aspects of mechanics, the more you do it the better you will get.

Can you use thread carving taps to clean threads?

Some people will indeed use thread carving taps to clean their threads and not a chaser; however, if you do this you run a higher risk of accidentally widening the bolt hole, which can loosen the grip, causing obvious problems.

Does Autozone have thread repair kits?

That's why AutoZone has all the thread repair kits you need to work confidently on your car. Basically everything in your vehicle is held together by a combination of bolts and nuts. If you are the sort that tinkers a lot with your car, you've probably stripped a bolt before. It is more likely that one of the holes will strip at some point ...

Why does my thread get damaged?

Typically, thread damage on a a male thread (a screw or a bolt for instance) is caused when incorrect bolt torque is used, when thread fretting occurs as a result of prolonged vibration during machining applications, or when the threads become worn after extended use over time.

Does a gage edge fit into the remaining threads?

The gage edge will fit perfectly into the remaining threads when you have the correct gage blade selected (there will be no gaps between the gage's teeth and the edge of the screw's or bolt's remaining threads).

How do threaded parts work?

They are twisted by hand, and slowly work their way into hole being tapped. Threaded parts such as bolts, shafts, and other similar parts use dies to cut the threads. This is done in a similar manner as a tap, but the shaft of the part threads through the die as it cuts the threads.

What happens when you strip a bolt?

When you strip one out or break a bolt inside the hole, the threads are damaged. In some cases you can re-tap the threads with good results, but if the fastener is under high load or critical, then you will likely have to go to the next size up. These holes use taps, which cut threads into the metal.

What is a taper in a blind hole?

The taper is there to guide the tap in the hole and to slowly cut the threads in fresh material. While this is great for through-holes, where the backside of the hole is open, these only get part of the job done when you are working with a blind hole, where the hole is closed. For that, you need a bottoming tap.

What is a taper tap?

The taper tap is the most common tap design. This is the style used for creating new threaded holes. The first 8 to 10 cutting flutes of the tap are not full, they gradually build up to the full thread size. The taper is there to guide the tap in the hole and to slowly cut the threads in fresh material.

Why do taps have tapered flutes?

The tapered flutes help ensure that the tap is centered and vertical. We ran the tap all the way through the part, so that the bottom threads were touched by the full flutes of the tap. The chips in the relief grooves of the tap are called swarf, they should be cleaned off before putting the tap away.

How many flutes does a plug tap have?

The plug tap is in the middle, it uses 3-5 gradual flutes. Each tap style serves a different purpose. From the left- taper, plug, and bottoming. If you are repairing damaged threads, either of these taps will usually work, unless it is a blind hole, in which you need to use a bottoming tap.

What happens if threads don't match?

Some pitches overlap different sizes, so you have to use the chart to determine what size fastener you have. Thread size and pitch is critical to this type of repair. Using this style of pitch gauge, you can determine exactly what you have.

What is thread repair insert?

Thread-repair inserts come in a variety of materials and in a myriad of designs from domestic and overseas manufacturers. Timed thread body inserts, wire coil inserts and keyed inserted make up the three major families of thread inserts you’ll likely encounter.

What size drill do I use for a M10x1.25?

First, you would drill the hole with a 10.25mm drill (a standard M10x1.25 thread would use a much smaller 8.75mm drill). Then you would use an M10x1.25-S.T.I. tap. This S.T.I. version of the tap will have a major diameter of up to 11.787mm, whereas a standard M10x1.25 tap is about 1.5mm less in diameter.

Can you have a thread failure in the same hole again?

Done right, you’ll never have a thread failure in the same hole again.

Is stripper thread more common than ever?

As a result, it’s no surprise that strippers are more common than ever before. Since most of the threads on today’s vehicles are made of materials with just one-third to one-half the hardness of grey cast iron, it’s no wonder that more threaded holes experience thread damage than ever before.

Can Keensert be threaded?

That’s a much bigger hole which can be beneficial in some application where severe corrosion is prevalent in the original threads. The Keensert would then be threaded into the drilled, tapped and cleaned hole with the Keensert installation tool. Thread locking compounds can be used due to its solid body design.

Is threading harder than fasteners?

While the materials where threads live have become softer, the materials used for fasteners have in many cases become harder. In fact, some of the super-alloys used in high-performance head studs and rod bolts have hardness levels approaching that of tap (every try to drill out a broken tap?). As a result, it’s no surprise that strippers are more common than ever before. Since most of the threads on today’s vehicles are made of materials with just one-third to one-half the hardness of grey cast iron, it’s no wonder that more threaded holes experience thread damage than ever before. It’s been said, “If a threaded hole in a softer metal uses a fastener that is installed and removed on a regular basis, a harder-material insert is a must.” Unfortunately, the cost and time involved with installing inserts at an OEM level means that it will never happen on a large scale. There may be a few key, high-stress locations in an engine block or suspension component, but 99 percent of all the threaded holes will not come from the factory reinforced with an insert.

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