Thread Repair tools

[TheOtherLeft]

In my seemingly never ending quest to fix stuff as oppossed to paying others to do so I have a few external threads that are damaged - not completely stripped, only slightly.

What is the go with thread repair tools?

Thread repair files, internal thread restorers, and other thread repair tools.

VictorNet has 2 types of thread repair tools - a thread repair file and a universal thread file.

I have also seen a studsaver tool as well.

Recoil | Tools and Tool Storage | Hand Tools and Toolkits | Files / Accessories | Thread Files & Restorers |92238

Is one better then the other? I have both metric and imperial threadsI need to repair.

Any help explaining is much appreciated.

[Pete F]

I have the thread repair file like that, but to be honest have never used it. To repair a thread I'll first try to run a nut over it to roll the threads up if I can. If that doesn't work then I just run a die over it.

Pete

[TheOtherLeft]

I have the thread repair file like that, but to be honest have never used it. To repair a thread I'll first try to run a nut over it to roll the threads up if I can. If that doesn't work then I just run a die over it.

Pete

Thanks for that Pete. I would use a nut as well but one of the bolts I need to repair has a slightly damaged thread at the start of the bolt so running a but/die won't work. Hence I'm looking at one of the tools I listed.

[Pete F]

Oh yeah, that's always a PIA when that happens because if the thread is damaged badly a die won't always start in the correct spot either. Does the damage extend a long way back up the thread? If it's just on the very end, is it possible to give the end a quick wipe over the linisher (or similar) to dome the bolt's end and take out the damaged part? You effectively lose a bit of bolt length, so it depends on whether that's a major concern/how far back the damage goes. On the other hand I've repaired damaged threads just with triangular needle files, cheap as chips, and if you don't already have some at least they will prove more useful after this job.

Pete

Edit: sorry I didn't realise I hadn't clicked on your second link. That studsaver looks pretty cool actually. But 158 clams! WOW! I know RS are hideously expensive, but at even half that price that bolt you want to repair better be worth it

[Dave J]

I usually use a small fine file on damaged threads. I also use them on some of the larger threads that have a razor thread at the start as well. I have never used those type of tool so I can't comment on them.

Dave

[RayG]

Hi TheOtherLeft,

I use a swiss pattern triangular needle file, mainly because I already have them for sharpening handsaws. Works well for cleaning up fine threads. If you want to buy good ones, then look for Grobet, or Vallorbe.

For occasional use, you can always buy sets of needle files from Bunnings, the files are poor quality (that's as kind as I can put it) but they would probably do in a pinch.

Regards
Ray

[Pete F]

Alternatively if you're opposed to giving Bunnings any more money than you have to here's another source typically handy to most people.

10 Piece Needle File Kit - Jaycar Electronics

[Stustoys]

PeteF,
That $158 one is for M22 to M38. The M6 to M20 is "only" $96.50(excluding GST).. Feeling better? lol

Now for my wacko idea. If the thread isnt to bad what about cutting a nut in half, putting it on a good section of thread, clamping it with a tool makers clamp or vice. Then undoing the bolt out of it? Nope I've never tried it.

Stuart

[Pete F]

I don't think that would be worth the trouble unless you also hardened the nut Stuart. Otherwise it would be a question of which piece of cheese crumbled first! The nut should win, since it's following an established thread, but I've seen some nuts so soft it's absurd. Hardened though, or maybe doing that with a die (if you just happen to have a handy EDM to cut the die in half of course) and I like your idea.

Otherwise if you have a suitable lathe, you could always chuck the piece up if it's possible to grip it adequately, and pick up the thread. Not as easy as it sounds, for various reasons, but worth a shot before dropping a hundred on something like that!
Pete

[TheOtherLeft]

Alternatively if you're opposed to giving Bunnings any more money than you have to here's another source typically handy to most people.

10 Piece Needle File Kit - Jaycar Electronics

That looks handy.Thanks for that one.

[pipeclay]

After looking at your previous posts in regards to Taps and Dies,it appears that most of the threads you are wanting are only small.

I would suggest that the Thread file/s would be your better allternative to cleaning up the thread if a Die or Die nut is either not available or cant be started.

Just make sure if you do get Thread files to get them in the TPI or Pitch to suit what you need.

They will have 8 different TPI or Pitches per file.

If what you are chasing are Imperial dont worry about whether they are 60 or 55 degrees,I have never had any problem with the different angles and I cant recall if I have ever seen any marked for 55 or 60,as long as the TPI is right it wont be a problem.

[neksmerj]

Buying tools can sometimes be an emotional thing. "I want one of those", can lead to buying something you may use once, then forget. Sounds a bit like me.

I would definately go for a needle file set, repair the thread start as best you can, then run a die over it.

Struth, I had to buy a 3/8" BSW button die today, and finished up with a P&N item. $25, ouch.

For $25 I know I have a die that will out live me, and is first class steel, and first class quality.

I'll use it once, then store it away. I have too much disposal income, the pension!

Ken

[TheOtherLeft]

So what's the Universal Thread File as mentioned in my original post?

Yes most of my threads will be under M10, however I do have a few odd sizes, one of which is 9/16".

[pipeclay]

Have never seen one,but by looking at the picture it appears to be like a triangular file with an extension on the top,so in other words a 60 degree vee form file.

[Optimark]

I have a French made Super-Filon thread repair tool. It is similar to the ones shown in your link, but it is quite different in that the ends are designed with the file thread running at 90º to the main file. The purpose for that, is for the repair of internal threads. I've had mine for something like 40 years, maybe a bit longer. Mine is capable of repairing international (SI), ISO, Whitworth (WW), UNF - UNC and GAZ (B.G.S.) threads. I would assume that the patent has by this time run out, which is why there are a plethora of thread files available. Mine was quite expensive, hard to get, but worth every bit I paid for it. I wouldn't be without it, always goes on a mechanical repair job and is never, ever lent out. I bought mine from Ryan's at the top end of Elizabeth street in Melbourne when they sold most obscure things like that. Mick.