Does anyone know how to fix stripped threads?

Question

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

I just got this workout machine and when I started putting it together, I accidentally put the right pedal in where the left pedal is supposed to be and it seems as if I stripped some of the threads and now the left pedal is not fitting in. This sucks!

The worst is that the threads don't even look that bad, but the first two or so are, which is why it won't fit in.

Please tell me that it can be saved and how to save it!

Thanks

Answer 1

Jesus, I can tell these people never lived on a farm. There are several ways to fix it. One is to use a triangular file (a regular file will work, too) and file out the metal in the valleys. You can use a hacksaw blade for this, too. You can also remove the offending metal with a thick bladed pocket knife if the metal isn't too hard.

You can make your own die by findind a nut of the same size and thread count (try it on the other pedal to check it). Using the triangular file or hacksaw blade, cut four groove across the threads of the nut. This gives the spent metal somewhere to go as you thread it onto the spindle. Just turn it till it gets snug and back it off. Each time it will go on a little further. Some type of oil will help, too.

Make sure that the pedals don't have left and right threads. They do this sometimes so that pedaling won't unscrew it.

Answer 2

Stripped Threads

Answer 3

How To Fix Stripped Threads

Answer 4

If you are VERY careful, you can file off some of the damage without reducing the strength too much. If you don't want to try that, there are special tools just for this purpose. I think that Sears still carries them. Most large hardware and automotive stores might also.

These are NOT just a regular dies, they are made specifically for rethreading, i.e. repairing. A regular die is made for creating threads.

I have also been sucessful in just forcing this kind of thing. The risk is that if you are not exactly right, you will do even more damage.

A couple of people replied while I was typing mine. At least one suggested a machine shop or repair shop, even an auto repair shop. It might make more sense to do that rather than buy the tools and try it yourself. Then again, it will probably cost more for the labor than the tools.

My bad...I reread your question and now see that it is not the threads on the pedal, but the threads that the pedal goes into. Similar answer, except for the file. You need a repair "tap" not a repair "die." A tap cuts female threads.

Answer 5

Get a triangular metal file with fine striations and use it to "dress" the munged threads. You just stick the file between the buggered threads and file around until they're not all messed up any more. A diamond deb nail file MIGHT work if you don't want to mount an expedition to the hardware store and you don't mind sacrificing the nail file to the cause. The threads might end up a little less tall than when new, but the nut will run right down on them.

I think you can also buy a tool (if you know the diameter of the rod and size of the threads that are messed up) that you screw down on the damaged threads and it straightens them out. But, I'm sorry I can't tell you what the tool is called!

Hope this helps!

Answer 6

They probably are just bent a little, (cross threaded). The male threads can be fixed with a die, and the female threads can be re cut with a tap. Almost any good mechanic will do it for you for free if you take the parts to them. Maybe someone will lend you the tools or you can buy them at any ace hardware store. Ask around nicely. If the threads are stripped, they can be replaced with a "helicoil".

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Does anyone know how to fix stripped threads?
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Answer 8

If you bought it recently, you should save yourself the trouble and return it for a replacement. It sounds like it was so easily damaged that the product was faulty to begin with. Tap and die sets are expensive, and if you don't know what you're doing you will just risk further damage and expense.

Answer 9

Does the left side have left handed threads?

Or do ya know?? there is a difference

Answer 10

get the bolt lined up as best you can and the tap it with a hammer(easy) try to get another turn and tap again--sometimes this will overcome the first two or three threads--if not get a tap and die set and redo the threads and then it has to work