Tap And Die Questions

[Black97civic]

How fucked up can a bolt be before a die set can't fix it.

I ask because a bolt on my car that comes out of the body (read: really a pain in the ass to replace) has the first 2-3 threads completely trashed.

Can I fix this with a die and some patience, or is it too far gone??

[Enes]

get a new one..

-E

[Black97civic]

Originally posted by Enes@Jun 22 2004, 03:03 PM
get a new one..

-E
dag y0, I was hoping that wasn't the case.

Oh well, thanks for the fast help!!

Edit: Just out of curiosity what exactly can a die fix??

[JET]

A die is more for making threads out of blank metal. It can clean up threads, but it is hard to get them started correctly if it is the first threads that are messed up. If the middle or back threads are messed up, it works good for that because it is already started in the correct pattern.

[Raptor]

As long as you have adequate threads in the hole when the bolt would be all the way in, you can fix the bolt with a thread file and or regular file. I fix them all the time with no issues (I work with Josh and Allan ;) ) It just requires some patience and if the threads are completely gone, it may be worth either putting a chamfer on the bolt or cutting it shorter. Either way, there would have to be enough threads left when you are done or it would be a mistake.

[Black97civic]

Originally posted by Raptor@Jun 22 2004, 05:41 PM
it may be worth either putting a chamfer on the bolt or cutting it shorter. Either way, there would have to be enough threads left when you are done or it would be a mistake.
we ended up cutting it shorter and then using the die to clean up the threads, and it worked beautifully.

There are plenty of threads too, we could thread another nut on top of this one if we wanted to

[Enes]

Ace hardware has one full wall of bolts.. just make sure you get apropriate one for the job.. i hate fixed bolts.. next time you pull them out or tighten them you run into problem of NOT having the option and then having to drill drill drill tap and that just makes everything stoopid..

-E

[A//// Guy]

Thats not really true. Theres nothing wrong with fixing bolts if they can be repaired. Use some locktite or grease on them and they will never have a problem coming back out.

[Enes]

Never say never little kid.. you will learn as you grow older!

-E

[A//// Guy]

Who are you calling little kid? Ive seen way more broken bolts and things having to to with tapping than you have. Sorry but I think you lose. ;) You dont know what Ive dealt with on my car, most people dont.