Buggered Threads - Will a thread restorer set work?

[nezzman]

I was removing the track rod end today on my van, and the threads got a bit messed up/galled, causing a scene, and having to go out and buy a track rod end.
I think the threads where damaged before I started undoing the nut, but I didn’t notice, and things went down hill from there.

There has been a few times where galled/rolled threads has caught me out.

Would a kit like the Lang thread restorer sort these kind of problems, or is it more for just removing dirt from threads?

I was also looking at the Hazet 842AG, anyone used a tool like that? Is it more suited?

​

Any recommendations on what I need if the Lang set isn’t up to that kind of work?

Cheers

 

[The Cobbler]

a thread restorer will reform threads rather than cutting like a die would. It sounds like a good plan

 

[nezzman]

a thread restorer will reform threads rather than cutting like a die would. It sounds like a good plan

Great job, thanks for clarifying it. I just wasn’t sure if a thread restorer would do the trick.

 

[shawhite]

I generally find I damage the first few threads on a stud and I either have to break out the thread file or the split Rethreading die like this.

Murray Tools Split Die Thread Repair System - Repair Threads Fast!

 

[nezzman]

I generally find I damage the first few threads on a stud and I either have to break out the thread file or the split Rethreading die like this.

Murray Tools Split Die Thread Repair System - Repair Threads Fast!

Yes, same, it’s usually the first few threads that get damaged. Will chasers not really be suitable for this?

I was just looking at those split dies, but being in the UK, I doubt it would be an option to get them here, unless you know of any others?

 

[RTM]

I've had instances where the galling is so bad you had to go to a die to cut it versus just a reformer die. Incredible amounts of stuff clogging the male threads

 

[Neggy]

I always try a restoration tool before a tap or die

A tap/die removes metal, and if you have something that has a tight tolerance ( yes taps/dies come in different grades ) and you run a cheap Vermont American tap or die over/into it will not only recut the damaged threads but open the good ones up beyond what your go/no go gauge allows

Thread files are under utilized IMHO

 

[nezzman]

I've had instances where the galling is so bad you had to go to a die to cut it versus just a reformer die. Incredible amounts of stuff clogging the male threads

I might order a few dies, and also the Lang chaser set, and see how I get on with those.
It’s not something I would use a lot, so I don’t want to be spending a lot on them.

 

[M635_Guy]

I think the threads where damaged before I started undoing the nut, but I didn’t notice, and things went down hill from there.

That often seems to be the case - I've hit that in a couple of spots working on my sons Honda. Highly annoying...

Would a kit like the Lang thread restorer sort these kind of problems, or is it more for just removing dirt from threads?

It's definitely not for removing dirt - it's re-forming the threads. I've had really good success with mine. If it's difficult, I put a little oil on the thread tool. And I take my time/try not to force things.

Lang makes the kits Snap On and and Matco sell (among others).

 

[crasher98]

The Lang kit is great, I use it way more than I would have guessed when I first bought it; almost any time I reuse a fastener I run the thread chaser around/thru it because it cleans the threads up and straightens them out. The only catch is that the starting threads need to be good (or at least halfway decent) to use the Lang kit. If the starting threads are bad you have to use a split die as mentioned above; here's another type: https://www.chaseembacktools.com/. I don't know if that company ships internationally but it's an example of what's out there.

 

[lardy1]

I have nothing but praise for my Jawco thread chaser set. Several versions available for individual needs. To be honest, I suspect Jawco is the source of most of the major brands but have no real proof of that.

Thread-Restoring Tap, Die, & File Sets – MADE IN USA

Save and time and money with these rethreading tap, die, and file sets in US, metric, coarse, and fine sizes. MADE IN USA by Jawco.

jawco.com

 

[captain14]

When Sears was still an option for tools one year they offered this type of tool on sale. I bought it after reading some thought here on GJ about it.
I had to replace the flywheel key in my mower and the thread got messed up during the removal. So I used this tool since it was big enough and it worked. My Craftsman 40ish piece thread restore kit did not have a die big enough to clean up the thread.

HAZET 842AG-1 - Universal thread repair tool | Mister Worker™

Buy online at the best price: HAZET 842AG-1 Universal thread repair tool. Discover Stud pullers by HAZET for sale on Mister Worker™. Fast delivery and Custom Quotes.

www.misterworker.com

Edit
Found the Craftsman version and it’s a cheaper price too.

craftsman thread restorer - Google Shopping

www.google.com

 

[Dave455]

Hi Nezzman, I’m in the U.K. too.

No need to overthink this, or import anything, you’re in the easiest country in the world to get threading tools!

The best solution is a threading “die”. These are normally used for cutting a thread, but of course work fine for cleaning or re cutting a damaged thread. In the U.K. dies are circular, and you use one with a “die stock”. Both are shown below.

You may find that you don’t have a lot of room to turn a conventional die stock. One solution is to get a die stock you can use from above, the othet is to use a “die nut”.

A “die nut” is a tool for re threading only, but is hexagonal, so can be turned with any spanner. Here’s a die nut.

Note that I’m using British terms. American terminology is different, and you will find things like hexagonal dies there that you won’t find in the U.K.

I have any number of engineering tool suppliers locally that sell dies. I suspect you have too, but if you don’t know them, try one of the big firms online. I like MSC Industrial Supply, but there are many.

PM me any questions.

P.S. Track Rod Ends sometimes have rolled threads, but don’t worry about that unless you need to make new ones.

 

[Bessy]

Bookmarking this thread for the next time I get into trouble.

Love the look of that split die set, I can see that being super useful!

 

[jubilee]

This tool is amazing for repairing end thread damage. Great for wheel studs.
8-32 to 3/4” thread in one tool. I gave $5 for my first one. Immediately bought two more for service trucks. Think they’re still under $10.

 

[bas157]

Jubilee, what do they call that tool, or do you have a link?

This tool is amazing for repairing end thread damage. Great for wheel studs.
8-32 to 3/4” thread in one tool. I gave $5 for my first one. Immediately bought two more for service trucks. Think they’re still under $10.

 

[nezzman]

Thanks for all the help guys!

I ordered the Lang kit earlier from Zoro. Hopefully it is what I will need in the future.

As far as I can tell, it is die nuts it comes with, though, the split dies do look useful.

 

[Jbullfrog]

I have 2 sets of Chase'em Backs. They are a hinged die that you put on an area of good threads, install the drive socket, and then run it off while cleaning the damaged threads.

HOME | Chase 'em Back Tools

www.chaseembacktools.com