What do you use to restore the threads?

[wxm]

What do you guys use to clean up the threads before reinstalling the old nuts & bolts. I have always used the traditional thread-making taps and dies. But just saw this set (RTD15M, Tap & Die Set, Metric, Rethreading) from Snapon website, and am wondering what the advantage of using the rethreading taps & dies. Is it because the traditional taps & dies too hard (or sharp) to the nuts and bolts are already threaded?

 

[RavenTai]

I have that set and like it. they are less aggressive designed to clean up minor thread damage, you are less likely to do more harm with them like you can with a cutting tap.

I especially like them for cleaning up rust and other foreign obstructions from threads without risk of over sizing the threads

 

[Joe_E]

That's a nice set. I always wondered if I was doing damage to the threads with the regular taps or not by cutting too much out.

 

[wxm]

That's a nice set. I always wondered if I was doing damage to the threads with the regular taps or not by cutting too much out.

I was thinking about the same every time when I saw among of metal it cut off.

I found that SnapOn has the holiday sale for the Master Rethreading Kit (RTD48, Kit, Master Rethreading, U.S./Metric) which also includes SAE - A nice set if you are also working on those good old machines... Happy Holiday!!!

 

[nuclearlemon]

taps and dies have worked well for years. if the threads are that jacked up, i just buy new. heck of a lot cheaper than anything from the strap on man.

 

[Tools R Us]

Kastar is the manufacture that makes them for the wagon jobbers, Sears, etc.

Kastar - A Brand Of A & E Tools

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942275000P

Kastar 971 48 pc. SAE & Metric Thread Restorer Kit

 

[wxm]

taps and dies have worked well for years. if the threads are that jacked up, i just buy new. heck of a lot cheaper than anything from the strap on man.

The trouble is that I never seem to have the nuts/bolts with the desired size in stock - it got be my dumb luck. I remembered that I spent two days trying to locate the replacements for the rust bolts for the hitch mount - had to put old ones back in the end after running through a die.

Thanks everyone, I will get one set for the holiday.

 

[craptabulous]

i will also use taps or dies or a thread file , it depends on how it was damaged , how its damaged and what i think will repair it the best . i probably have a few other thread repair tools kicking around as well .