Striped Threads

[LMP]

I wanted to clean my old REO Grand and took the screw out that holds the black plastic thing at the top in. I noticed material in the threads at the end, but didn't think it was a problem at the time. When I tried to put it back together the screw didn't tighten.

How can I fix this?

 

[ancient puffer]

I hear you can use a punch to force some aluminum back toward the original hole, and it should be enough to catch. A light touch is essential, aluminum is soft, which is why it strips so easily.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

Hmmm, I thought my LP Grand that I got last fall had stainless steel threads. Is mine a new version or is yours?

 

[Spydro]

Stake the hole from the inside. Either with a drift punch or center punch to displace just a very small amount of the aluminum around the hole into the hole.

 

[LMP]

Hmmm, I thought my LP Grand that I got last fall had stainless steel threads. Is mine a new version or is yours?

I bought mine in April 2012.

 

[SteamStack]

Last I've read from rob on the topic was to hit it on an angle.

 

[SteamStack]

Hmmm, I thought my LP Grand that I got last fall had stainless steel threads. Is mine a new version or is yours?

We're talking about the aluminum reo body not the new 510 ss threads.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

Ahhh. Okies.

 

[Rob.Gee]

I think there was a discussion on the "reos not performing well" thread regarding this that would be helpful.

 

[Rule62]

As said before, displacing a little aluminum toward the hole, with a small punch, will work. In the future though, a very, very light touch on the screw is all that's necessary to hold the delrin piece. It doesn't need to be super tight. I just use a thumb and forefinger on a mini screwdriver. As soon as it's snug, stop. Resist the urge to tighten it any more.

 

[LMP]

So, I need to stick the punch inside the hole at an angle to put a dimple on the inner wall of the hole?

 

[Spydro]

NO. If you use a center punch, right beside the hole just enough to move a little metal towards the hole... if a drift punch over the hole maybe tilted to a side a little to just move some metal on one side of the hole.

 

[Dougiestyle]

Pics of repiar method would be beneficial to prevent misunderstanding.

 

[Spydro]

It's not rocket science.

 

[Dougiestyle]

Eh, never mind. I know how to do it. Just trying to give OP a visual.

 

[Train2]

No, you're tapping outside the hole, angled to the middle of the hole - think of it as "closing it up" just a teensy bit - enough for the screw to have something to grab...

So, I need to stick the punch inside the hole at an angle to put a dimple on the inner wall of the hole?

 

[LMP]

It worked!

Thanks everyone!