Three Ways to Repair Damaged Threads on Your Car

On occasion, the threads of a nut or bolt hole become stripped. This generally occurs due to over tightening. This is an all-too-common occurrence when working with aluminum parts, because aluminum is soft and threads are easily damaged. When this happens, there are three choices in repairing damaged threads: drilling and tapping to a bigger size; drilling and plugging; and using a patented method such as Heli-coil, or Slimsert. Regardless of which method you use proceed in a calm and careful manner. If you are impatient or careless during one of these relatively simple steps it can ruin all the work you have put in to the job and cost you a bundle if you ruin an expensive part.

Sometimes repairing damaged threads can be done without Heli-coil or Slimsert. Depending on the severity of damage to the threads you may be able to clean the threads up with a tap or die, and they may work fine. If the threads are damaged to badly you may need to take a different course of action like one of the three mentioned earlier.

Before you run out after that Heli-coil, Slimsert, or plug you may want to consider drilling and tapping the hole to the next suitable size, and install a larger diameter screw, stud, or bolt. Sometimes the job is done and over with in the time saved running after parts. All three methods are worthy and it is a matter of preference to which you use. Clearance and accessing the hole may influence your decision of methods. As you may very well suspect the patented methods like Heli-coil and Slimsert work very well, making the job a little easier. I keep a few different sizes of the patented thread repair kits in the garage for just such an occasion.

Repairing the threads with a plug is another option. This method involves drilling and tapping the hole to accept a threaded plug, then drilling and tapping the plug to the original, screw, stud or bolt size. There are also plugs available threaded to the original size. If you select the plug already threaded, drill a hole to the specified size, then run the threaded plug into the hole with a threaded bolt and jam nut. After the plug is fully seated, remove the bolt and jam nut.

The third option is utilizing the patented methods like Heli-coil or Slimsert. Either of these products have been known to get the job done, however, Heli-coil seems to be more widely known and recognized. These kits are easy to use and designed for repairing threads in straight through and blind holes. The kits are available to handle a variety of sizes and thread patterns. Simply drill the hole , then tap it with the tap provided in the kit. Install the Heli-coil or Slimsert and threads are restored to there original diameter and pitch.

Properly repairing threads can be accomplished by any of the three methods described. Always attempt to clean up the threads with a tap or die first, this may save time and money. Allow aluminum parts to cool before working on them , because aluminum expands when heated and this makes it more likely to damage threads. Being impatient or careless during these steps can ruin a days work and cost a bundle to replace the parts damaged or destroyed. Always be careful and safe in all you do.

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