Tips For Using A Rethreading Die To Fix Damaged Bolts And Nuts
by Willie Horton
Even the most meticulous repair job can lead to the threads of a nut or bolt becoming worn down sooner or later. Stripping a bolt is a common issue, often caused when the wrong tool is used or improper care is taken when attempting to tighten a bolt. Over-tightening a bolt by just a slight amount can make it impossible to remove the bolt later if necessary. A rethreading die kit can provide a fairly quick and reliable repair solution to this problem and give new life to old bolts and nuts. Here are some tips to help ensure the best success in fixing damaged bolts with a rethreading die.
1) Take a look at the process. To rethread a bolt, you can utilize a special metal cutting procedure that uses a small die to slice new threads into the bolt. The bolt is held by a vise, as you use a wrench to turn the die against the bolt and create the threads. Since rethreading dies typically have a hexagonal shape, you can use any conventional wrench that you have on hand to hold and guide the die as it cuts. You will need to reverse the direction of the wrench every few turns to keep the die from getting stuck on the threads that are already in place. You may also find that applying a bit of cutting oil to the bolt will help the die move and cut into the bolt more smoothly.
2) Choose the right size. As is the case with most tools, it is very important that you use the proper die for the specific bolt that you have. Most rethreading kits come equipped with dies in a wide variety of sizes. Before you begin to cut the new threads into place, you must use a special measurement tool called a thread gauge to assess how many threads per inch (TPI) the bolt will need. The TPI will help you determine the corresponding die size. While a thread gauge won't give precise measurements of unknown threads, it will supply you with a very close TPI estimate relative to a thread standard.
3) Have the correct tools on hand. The rethreading kit itself will contain nearly everything you need (including dies in several sizes) to complete the job. However, you will still need a few more tools to make that job easier. Prior to starting the rethreading process, be sure to have a vise, a wrench, some cutting oil, and a thread gauge ready to go.
A rethreading die kit is a great option for restoring stripped bolts that will save you the extra cost and hassle of buying replacement parts.
For more information, contact a rethreading die supplier.
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About Me
Owning any kind of industrial manufacturing facility means working with a lot of equipment and machinery. When you're new to this kind of thing, you may be wondering about what kind of ongoing maintenance the equipment will need. If you're lucky, the prior owner has logs and records that will tell you what you need to do. If you're not, that's what we're here for. We're sharing information here to help business owners like yourself to take care of the equipment in your facility today. We will post new information regularly, so check back often for the latest tips and plans.