So this is a thread on thread repair. Anyway, I have an old off topic engine that is aluminum and some threads have been ripped out. There is enough material to drill and re-thread bu tI was hoping to repair and use the original bolt. Has anyone tried this with JB Weld or those low temp aluminum weld rods you can use with a propane torch? I s would be applicable to more on topic repairs. Thanks.
Buggered the title and don't know how to fix it. I guess I do need an additional thread on thread title repair.
Ever tried easy outs. They insert into the original dammaged hole once it has been drilled out. You can then screw in your original bolts Sent from my SM-G360G using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
drill and re-thread yes JB Weld no Low temp welding rods dunno but you should be using threaed inserts if you want to go back to the same size
The best way are Heli-Coil inserts ,tap hole with special over size tap and screw in insert . Better than new .
Highlighting @good captian's info I am in aviation and heli coils are routinely installed in aluminum esspecially due to the fact it can strip easily and or with time. So @Fortunateson keep the JB in the glovebox for other special repairs.
Heli- Coils, yes. I used them on many things, most recently (two years ago) on a Cadillac water pump where it bolts into the block. Still working perfectly today.
There is another type of treaded insert called Threadserts or Rivnuts. I think I found what you may be thinking and that would be 'Time Serts' Preparation for these would be right sized drill and right sized Tap...oh and never cut corners also use proper installation tooling.
************************************************************************************* 'S'cuse me? Where did you get your info concerning "Easy-outs"? Easy-outs are a hardened steel device that helps to remove broken bolts from a threaded hole. Drill a right-sized hole in the broken end of the bolt, tap in the easy-out and turn lefty-loosey. They don't always work, but it might save the day just as easily. Roger
There are ones known as Keenserts which I've used with great success. They are like a Helicoil only with a bigger external thread. They have drive tangs that get driven down to lock them in. For a 2-part repair, I use Twin Serts. Great in aluminum with really buggered up holes. You are probably okay with a regular Helicoil.
This option is only available to you if you started the thread. Go to your initial post in the thread. Click Thread Tools to open menu. Then click "EDIT TITLE", make the necessary changes and save. BAM! You're done! Time-Serts are recommended for at least certain GM thread repairs so they must have something going for them.
Heli-coils are great. I must have installed a thousand of them. But they do require a special tap that only works for installing Heli-coils. The kits don't cost that much.Keyserts use standard taps and tool you already have. But they need a larger hole to be drilled to start with. Do you have room? Easy outs as mentioned are something else and have no reason for mention here. JB Weld and aluminum solder are right behind easy outs for this purpose. Rivenuts are another separate item. Not applicable in your case.
Helicoils work for most of these apps, and the keenserts are great for slightly more complicated apps. I buy all the helicoil sets I see at swap meets, and after a while have accumulated most of the sizes I need for my shop. Most sets come with the correct drill, tap, and inserts, generally in a plastic pouch to keep them together.
some heli coils can be prepped with a standard tap. and a grinder can turn an old bolt into an insert tool in about two minutes.
Fine threads that share a tpi with the next size up. I remember winding the heli coil on the bolt and then measuring the threads. Worked for me
I'd believe that using a standard tap for a helicoil even for certain sizes comes under the catagory of almost can get by with it. Proper Helicoil taps aren't very spendy and are usually easy to find. Over the years I have bought single size sets as I needed them but do have several sizes for spark plug threads that I pickedbol up years ago. I read an article or two on the Keenserts a few years ago but never had occasion to try them. I've never seen them in the places I go around here be it the tool store or the bolt stores.
Except for 32 inch sizes, like 10/32 8/32 and some others. The thread pitch just doesn't work. 1/4-28 to 5/16-24. That's not happening. 5/16 to 3/8-24 looks like it might work. Same thread pitch. Same with 7/16-20 and 1/2-20. I never did it. I don't believe you get proper thread depth. I'm going to go and measure one now.
Heli-Coils used to come in sets with the drill, tap, installation tool and a number of inserts. A company called Recoil started selling kits without the drill bit and a proper installation tool. Their tool allowed the insert to be turned into the tapered part of the thread. The taps were lower quality as well. The result was the kits were cheaper than the Hel-Coil kits. Heli-Coil started selling kits without the drill bit to match prices. Most smaller holes can be done with a standard drill bit. Use a 3/8 bit in a 3/8 hole then use the provided tap and installation tool.
Those were the few I was thinking might work, but unless I break my helicoil tap off and am in desperate need, no way I'd try a standard tap without doing a test on a different piece first.
I was just looking at Heli-coils. It looks like you could use a 1/2-20 tap to install a 7/16-20 Heli-Coil. Maybe some others also. I haven't tried it. But for now i will say, Could be.
I do live in a dream world. Awesome wife. Two incredibe kids . Satisfying job. Huge shop filled with hot rods and tools.
On external threads I've had some luck with these Tough to use on keyed threads or ones with holes for cotter pins but it can be done. Thread files are handy too but actually remove material
Heli-coils are a brand like Crescent is a adjustable wrench. I myself prefer Keenserts. They make them in different material. Buy the insert intended for use in aluminum. Otherwise you end up with a dissimilar materials issue.
Keenserts require a larger hole then Helicoils which can be a problem in some cases where holes are close to an edge. I haven't had a problem with Heli-Coils in aluminum. It's really what they were designed for. Usually it's a steel bolt in the aluminum without an insert which is a problem if no thread lubricant is used.
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