[fuzzynutz]

I have a stem with stripped threads. If I took it to a metal shop or a tool and die place, do you think they would re-thread it for me? Or what if I brought it to a hardware store? Do hardware stores do that/have the equipment for something like that?

 

[johnbryanpeters]

Helicoils are not difficult to install, and should be available in a bearing supply shop.

Any machine shop could do it for you, but it's likely to be almost as expensive as buying a new stem.

 

[fuzzynutz]

Bearing supply shop eh? Where would I find one of them?

 

[binary visions]

My local hardware stores have always carried helicoils.

 

[vibiker]

You can find an assortment of metric helicoils on eBay too.

 

[fuzzynutz]

Obviously they come in different sizes. So are they based on bolt size? Or something else?

 

[johnbryanpeters]

You need to have the thread diameter and pitch (5 mm x 1.0 or whatever). By the way, the diameter not the same as the allen wrench size...

You need the right sized drill and a special tap and an insertion tool, and you need to do the drilling carefully.

Easy for people familiar with this sort of task, chancy if you aren't good with tools.

 

[fuzzynutz]

I'm good with tools. What do you mean "right sized drill"? You mean like drill bit, or the actual drill, and what would that matter? Special tap and insertion tool? This sounds like it's starting to get pricey. Maybe I should just buy a new stem.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

Helicoil

 

[vibiker]

What do you mean "right sized drill"? You mean like drill bit, or the actual drill.

The drill bit. The kit will tell you what sized drill bit to use for the tap.

This sounds like it's starting to get pricey. Maybe I should just buy a new stem.

Figure about 20 bucks to get set up, with a bunch of helicoil inserts if you DIY. If you only plan to ever do one helicoil of that size, buy a new stem. If you want to be able to repair other threads it may be worthwhile to start repairing now.

 

[fuzzynutz]

Helicoil

Ooh, they spell technologies with a 'k'. Sooo cool.....
Thanks for the link btw.

The drill bit. The kit will tell you what sized drill bit to use for the tap.

I see.

Figure about 20 bucks to get set up, with a bunch of helicoil inserts if you DIY. If you only plan to ever do one helicoil of that size, buy a new stem. If you want to be able to repair other threads it may be worthwhile to start repairing now.

$20, now that ain't not bad. Would a place like ace hardware or home depot have helicoils? Maybe I'll just buy a new stem.

 

[vibiker]

$20, now that ain't not bad. Would a place like ace hardware or home depot have helicoils?

The local h/w store probably won't have anything. I found metric at the local autoparts, but kind of expensive.
My best luck was with ebay.