M18 x 1.5 die search

[bmwpower]

If anyone knows of a source for an individual M18 x 1.5 die, let me know. I want to try and salvage my $120+ oxygen sensor.

Snap on has one, but I wanted to see if there was a different source. Matco and Mac didn't seem to list one online separately.

Thanks!!!

[SimS]

Try www.mcmaster.com

I use them all the time. Fast shipping and moderate prices.

Good luck

SimS

[Danglerb]

The $120 part of the sensor is the wiring and connector that matches your car, for $25 you can buy a universal O2 sensor that is the same "type" and splice it to the old connector. Works just fine.

[NSXSOON]

Try MSC Industrial Supply. Great source.

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/GSDRVSM?PACACHE=000000032264008

[Uncle Buck]

Hell, even Enco, Travers Tool, etc.... Not the kind of thing you want to have the truck screw you on!

[TNToy]

The $120 part of the sensor is the wiring and connector that matches your car, for $25 you can buy a universal O2 sensor that is the same "type" and splice it to the old connector. Works just fine.

You probably already know this, BMW, but you're thinking correctly to keep your old one. The crimp-on ones that Dangler is recommending are very low quality, and you'd be far better served to buy another good one if you can't salvage the threads.

That's like recommending a Fram oil filter, Dangler. You should know better! :thumbup:

[IanF]

Try www.mcmaster.com

I use them all the time. Fast shipping and moderate prices.

Good luck

SimS

+1

You really want a "restoring" die rather than a more aggressive "cutting" die.

2573A677
Hex Rethreading Die Right Hand, M18 X 1.5mm, 1-7/16" Width Across Flats
In stock at $36.52 Each

You can probably get away with a large adjustable wrench in lieu of buying a die handle (IIRC, this die is larger than the dies in common tap & die sets).

[Uncle Buck]

+1

You really want a "restoring" die rather than a more aggressive "cutting" die.

2573A677
Hex Rethreading Die Right Hand, M18 X 1.5mm, 1-7/16" Width Across Flats
In stock at $36.52 Each

You can probably get away with a large adjustable wrench in lieu of buying a die handle (IIRC, this die is larger than the dies in common tap & die sets).

If it is a larger die you might find that the appropriatly sized 8pt socket would put it where you want it provided you are not too space restricted.

[MAD]

The $120 part of the sensor is the wiring and connector that matches your car, for $25 you can buy a universal O2 sensor that is the same "type" and splice it to the old connector. Works just fine.

You probably already know this, BMW, but you're thinking correctly to keep your old one. The crimp-on ones that Dangler is recommending are very low quality, and you'd be far better served to buy another good one if you can't salvage the threads.

That's like recommending a Fram oil filter, Dangler. You should know better! :thumbup:

As far as I am aware there is no quality difference between the Bosch splice in O2 sensors and the direct fit ones other than the connector. It is however very important to make good waterproof splices for long term reliability. The last couple VWs I did I actually used a Bosch sensor with a GM connector (removed) that was Identical because it was $20 cheaper than the the splice in sensor.

[Danglerb]

When you own a Porsche 928, where most of the factory parts are not used even on other Porsches, it pays to learn what works. I have lists of Bosch and other OEM part numbers, as well as lists of other cars that use the same or compatible same function parts. I don't cut any corners, especially on critical parts, but its just silly to buy things directly from Porsche if you don't have to.

[bmwpower]

+1

You really want a "restoring" die rather than a more aggressive "cutting" die.

2573A677
Hex Rethreading Die Right Hand, M18 X 1.5mm, 1-7/16" Width Across Flats
In stock at $36.52 Each

You can probably get away with a large adjustable wrench in lieu of buying a die handle (IIRC, this die is larger than the dies in common tap & die sets).

Aren't most dies rethreading dies?

[bmwpower]

Try MSC Industrial Supply. Great source.

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/GSDRVSM?PACACHE=000000032264008

Cheaper, but an import. Rethreading...so it says:

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=1724846&PMT4NO=31164688

[bmwpower]

The $120 part of the sensor is the wiring and connector that matches your car, for $25 you can buy a universal O2 sensor that is the same "type" and splice it to the old connector. Works just fine.

I'm thinking I just buy the die and keep it for future use. Unless, I can't rethread it...we'll see.

[Uncle Buck]

Aren't most dies rethreading dies?

No, there is a distinct difference, with a standard die you can pick a die that corresponds to a round shaft or length of steel that is of the correct overall diameter (usually this can be determined with a pair of calipers or micrometer and a tap drill chart) then you can take the die and cut threads on the shaft, pin or dowel where no threads whatsoever previously existed; as opposed to the rethreading die which is only used to chase or rethread already existing threads that have become damaged or otherwise buggered up.

[bmwpower]

If it doesn't say "rethreading", how can I tell?

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?store=snapon-store&item_ID=9789&group_ID=1163

[MXtras]

For rethreading all you need is two to three incomplete threads - this is accomplished through the chamfering.

Scott

[PanelDeland]

Another thing to remember is that a standard die will cut threads, including when used as a rethreader.This means the threads may be deeper and have less of a quality finish to the threads(i.e. small burrs and shavings in the thread).Most rethreading taps are 2 flute while a typical threading die has 4.Using a rethreading tap as a threading tap usually means you get to practice removing a broken tap from a hole.Usually this is done with a punch and hammer since taps and dies are of hardened tool steel and don't play nice with drills.Trying to use a rethreading die to thread something will probably just leave some bad burrs and no threads.

[bmwpower]

Another thing to remember is that a standard die will cut threads, including when used as a rethreader.This means the threads may be deeper and have less of a quality finish to the threads(i.e. small burrs and shavings in the thread).Most rethreading taps are 2 flute while a typical threading die has 4.Using a rethreading tap as a threading tap usually means you get to practice removing a broken tap from a hole.Usually this is done with a punch and hammer since taps and dies are of hardened tool steel and don't play nice with drills.Trying to use a rethreading die to thread something will probably just leave some bad burrs and no threads.

The end of the oxygen sensor has messed up/smushed threads (only 1-2), so I'm thinking I can make it past those. I just need to fix the starting threads so the thing will actually thread into the hole.

[jimmycrackcorn]

Starting a die on something thats has screwed up threads at the top can make or break it, just make sure it starts off even or you will cut off existing threads. When i use taps or dies, even as a rethreader i alway 1/4 turn then back off to clean off what ever is being cut and to save the tap or die from chipping (very brittle).

[jimmycrackcorn]

These are rethreaders http://www.amazon.com/Kastar-2599-Master-Spindle-Re-threader/dp/B0002SRGU2

Im sure you can get an individual 18x1.50

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?search=true&item_ID=15099&PartNo=rd7-19&group_id=2425&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

But if it's really messed up i would take a chance with a cutting die

[Jared]

couldn't you fix it with a thread file? i have used successfully on similar things.

[bmwpower]

couldn't you fix it with a thread file? i have used successfully on similar things.

Not on this piece. They're too far gone.

[Danglerb]

This one isn't the right size, but they make back chasers that wrap around the stud in the good thread area and you work them off over the bad threads with the good threads as a guide for the tool.

http://shoptoolsshoptools.com/shopexd.asp?id=1304

Thread files don't care about the diameter of what you fix, they just match the thread pitch.

[MXtras]

If you use a split die (which I always suggest for a die), open it up as far as you are comfortable with (out of the die stock) and try to get it past the bad threads before you close it up. This would allow you a better chance to get it in synch with the threads before any really heavy rearranging happens.

Looks to me like the Snappy is a split die.

Scott

[MXtras]

The other option would be to just remove the junked up threads. Just grind them off and be done with it.

Scott

[Junkman]

The other option would be to just remove the junked up threads. Just grind them off and be done with it.

Scott

You forgot to mention the JB Weld to hold it into the engine......:lol_hitti

[bmwpower]

You forgot to mention the JB Weld to hold it into the engine......:lol_hitti

You mean to hold it into the exhaust pipe?? :lol_hitti

[bmwpower]

The other option would be to just remove the junked up threads. Just grind them off and be done with it.

Scott

Thought about that, but might be close to not having enough thread if I'm not careful.

[bmwpower]

If you use a split die (which I always suggest for a die), open it up as far as you are comfortable with (out of the die stock) and try to get it past the bad threads before you close it up. This would allow you a better chance to get it in synch with the threads before any really heavy rearranging happens.

Looks to me like the Snappy is a split die.

Scott

Yes! That is a good idea. Hopefully, the SO piece is infact split so I could do that. I hate it that sometimes the picture isn't of the real tool.

Probably worth the $20+ to try it out.

[MAD]

Although oxygen sensors often last much longer than the auto manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule, they do not last forever. If the one you have has been in the car long enough to seize up, it probably has quite a few miles on it. While I might hesitate to buy a $25 no name sensor off e-bay, $50 or so for the correct style Bosch universal oxygen sensor seems like a good option to weigh against buying an expensive die that will probably not see much use in the future.

[Danglerb]

How I understand it is that o2 sensor on most older at least cars is narrow band, it knows rich, and it knows lean. The fuel injection brain has some base tables etc., but in closed loop it looks at the O2 sensor and if it says lean, the fuel rate is "slowly" increased until it says rich, then it is slowly decreased until it says lean. This rich/lean cycle also makes the cats happy burning them off. As the O2 sensor ages its response time increases, so the rich/lean swing is larger, you get lower performance and less MPG.

O2 bare sensors are cheap, whats expensive is that the hot wire MAF system also ages, and that shifts the base air fuel ratio and can waste fuel and lower performance. The more expensive MAF can often be rebuilt at almost reasonable costs.