Repairing Bolts with a Thread File
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ธ.ค. 2020
- Using a thread file to repair bolt threads. If you have a bolt with damaged threads, you could buy a new bolt, use a die to recut the threads, use a thread chaser, or repair them with a thread restoring file. A thread file does the same thing as a thread chaser but the file is cheaper and can repair threads on a much wider variety of bolts since diameter is not a factor. See the links below for the parts and tools I used:
SAE Thread Repair File (11-24 TPI):
amzn.to/37fKnP5 (affiliate*)
SAE Thread Repair File (9-32 TPI):
amzn.to/3lRySl6 (affiliate*)
Metric Thread Repair File (0.75-3.0 TPM):
amzn.to/2T16P6j (affiliate*)
SAE & Metric Thread Restorer File Set:
amzn.to/2T1hspN (affiliate*)
*Purchasing from these Amazon affiliate links earns my channel a small commission. Think of it as a tip that doesn't cost you anything. Thanks for the support! - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
SAE Thread Repair File (11-24 TPI):
amzn.to/37fKnP5 (affiliate*)
SAE Thread Repair File (9-32 TPI):
amzn.to/3lRySl6 (affiliate*)
Metric Thread Repair File (0.75-3.0 TPM):
amzn.to/2T16P6j (affiliate*)
SAE & Metric Thread Restorer File Set:
amzn.to/2T1hspN (affiliate*)
*Purchasing from these Amazon affiliate links earns my channel a small commission. Think of it as a tip that doesn't cost you anything. Thanks for the support!
Minor point, but metric threads aren't measured in threads per mm, they're measured in pitch which is the distance from one peak to the next. Pitch is the inverse of thread count, so for example a pitch of 0.5mm would mean 2 threads per mm and 10 threads per inch would have a pitch of 0.1"
Ah, good to know, thanks for the tip!
...and you didn't even shout. I dig it! Thanks for a very clear video!
Thanks for watching! :)
I had a minor emergency on my hands: I accidentally damaged the starting thread to my steering column shaft (gulp). It got damaged when the steering wheel puller slipped and I collapsed the starter thread down by accident. I could not get my steering wheel nut back on!!! My brother-in-law sent me this link, and I order the tool from the link provided by Mike. (Note: I did not want to try to cut a thread using a die because I only have 1/2" of threads to work with - and if I goof it up - I'm done). Well, I got the tool today, and I very gingerly cleaned up the damaged area (only just enough) and (drum roll please)... It worked! I could get my nut back on. Thank you "Mike attempts" your video really helped me out!
Oh man, that's awesome! Not only am I happy to hear the video was helpful, I also really appreciate you taking the time to comment. I bet you were sweating bullets when those threads got damaged, and I think other viewers would also like to read of your triumph. :)
Excellent video. I just got a set of thread files and this video shows how to use them. Great job. Thank you.
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Very helpful video! Thanks!
I'm glad it was helpful, thanks for the comment!
Great job. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
That's awesome I'm going to have to try that
Yeah, I was surprised by how well it worked.
good one. i just bought one today and thought i must be using it wrong as it seems to just run over the top of the bolt doing nothing but now i see it takes some time. cheers, good video
Yeah, the thread file isn't very aggressive but that's a good thing. It takes some effort but it works well. Thanks for watching!
@@Mikeattempts I ended up using some small thin files as well which worked better and quicker to be fair but I like the way the thread file has the different thread gauges at both ends to determine the thread spacing. That alone was worth the price of the tool and will come in handy in future bolt battles. :-)Overall a good tool for the future.
Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Hi Mike, just discovered your channel and have a number of videos selected to watch and wish I had seen this vid 2 weeks ago. But have question about file at links, e.g., file that is 11-24 TPI shows one side of file and there is 13 & 14 marked on file (I presume a pic of other side might have 11 & 12) but if one file has all 11-24 TPI options, how is this possible?
I'm glad you found me! :) My thread file has 8 different sizes to choose from. One side has 11 at one end and 12 at the other, the next side has 13 & 14, the third side is 16 & 18, and the last is 20 & 24. I assume those are the most common sizes between 11-24 TPI. Hopefully that answers your question and I hope you enjoy my other videos!
a cheap alternative to a chaser for larger sizes
Yep, it requires more effort but works on a wide variety of bolts.
Nice video but I believe the file only cuts on the forward stroke.
You are absolutely correct, it does only cut on the forward stroke. However, it was easier and faster to just go back and forth rather than picking up the file after each stroke. Thanks for watching!
Use a hardened nut with cutting fluid or correct size die. If you don't have a die cutting nut in two with abrasive blade and then welding it back using spring steel over a good bolt will make a rework tool. I just don't see how the file method is really a good idea.
The thread file does the same thing as a thread restorer nut. The good thing is that you can use the file on all different diameters and thread pitches rather than needing a specific die for each size. It worked great for me.
A die removes metal, weakening the thread. The split-nut thread restorer is probably the best as it moves the metal back into shape rather than cutting it. Thread files are somewhere in between. They remove a little if the damage is very bad but not as much as a die would. The main advantage is they are quick and effective. There are also hook-on adjustable tools available which offer the best of both.
Will these work on left hand threads
;) They'll work on any threads as long as you have a file with the correct thread pitch.
so im assuming its (threads per inch / 2) - 1
(18/2) - 1 = 8 for the example in the video
No math required, the bolts in the video were 18 TPI (threads per inch) and I used the end of the file stamped with the 18.
@@Mikeattempts i was trying to match my file with a test studs threads, i found at the front of the file you can test if it will bite correctly with the threads.
@@unguidedone Yep, that's how I use it as well, much easier than counting threads. :) Thanks for watching!
Someone below said he used a file. I can't find a file fine enough to deal with my specialist fitting, the threads of which are damaged at the end so can't get a die onto it. All the vids on thread files show bolts damaged in the middle -- easy: put a die on.
I would think a thread file would work for you but small triangle files are pretty common and might be what you need for your specialist fitting.
@@Mikeattempts Thank you. I have two sets of fine files, one diamond, but they are all too big --especially the triangular ones! Anyway I'll try to find one of these in the shops tomorrow. Thanks for video.
@@johncollins8304 I bought a cheap file set and it included a very small triangle file so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one. Why wouldn't a thread file work for you? Thanks for the comments.
oil?
Nope, no oil needed while using the thread file.
the thread file shouldn't remove any material; It just "straightens" the "bent" threads
It does remove a small amount of material but less than chasing the bolt with a die.
You aren't using this proudly
Did you mean "properly"? If so, I do realize a file only cuts in one direction but it's much easier to just run it back and forth rather than picking up the file after each stroke. The results speak for themselves.
@@Mikeattempts I agree with @ericluedtke3507 you were way too humble. Please be a little more arrogant & boastful when using the tool.
@@furiouhuzzah Hahaha! ;)
Which one do I use for a 24mm bolt on my driveshaft? idk what pitch or whatever...
It all depends on the number of threads per inch (TPI). The cheapest way would be to measure 1" of your bolt and count the threads. Or you could buy a thread pitch gauge ($5 - $10). The you'd buy a thread file that includes the TPI of your bolt.