Tapping a nut one size larger??

[branimal]

I have a cabinet with drawers that I'd like to put on casters. The cabinet has 4 threaded inserts or nuts on the bottom designed to put on wheels or leveling feet. The threads are 7/16x14. I have 1/2"x13 threaded casters laying around that would be perfect for this cabinet.

Can I tap the threads one size larger? I could buy 7/16x14 threaded casters but they aren't a common size, so they aren't cheap. I'd like to use what I have laying around.

 

[PCustoms]

Drill the nut and thread it.

Only risk is the "wall" will be a bit thinner, so if it was a cheap nut might not be strong enough.

 

[cvairwerks]

How about making a plate for the cabinet to sit on and use your casters on the plate instead. Going from 7/16x14 to 1/2x13 is going to take about .060" out of the nut.

 

[PCustoms]

0.031" per side....

 

[Will S.]

or remove the nuts (cut-off wheel), and weld 1/2" nuts in place?

 

[ChefRex]

Picture of said cabinet and area in question would help.

 

[larry4406]

I assumed the OP’s casters have a 1/2x13 male stud (not a baseplate) that he wants to thread into an existing 7/16x14 nut by retapping the nut to 1/2x13.

 

[4 FN 27]

Make sure they are regular nuts prior to drilling. If they are weld nuts there might not be enough wall thickness to go to 1/2-13.

 

[ez-duzit]

...
Can I tap the threads one size larger?...

Not in a threaded insert.

 

[nadogail]

I have found the bottoms of most tool boxes are designed to fit a price point, not designed or rough service.

My most successful tool box modifications were to weld up a Structural Frame with heavy duty casters and attach the box to the frame. I might add to the width of the frame to increase its stability wile being moved.

Longer, Lower and Wider wheel bases increase tool box stability just like they do in Automobiles.

 

[branimal]

They are threaded inserts. I think I can drill out the threads with a 1/2” bit and then weld a 1/2” nut on top where access is easier.

Then thread on my 1/2” casters.

 

[Feralghoul88]

Looks like you have solutions looking for problems.

 

[branimal]

Looks like you have solutions looking for problems.

Yeah a closer inspection on my part would have saved you guys some time. Sorry about that.

 

[The Cobbler]

never hurts to talk about the question at hand,even if you answer it yourself in the end

 

[RPH]

Tossing ideas around is a way to come up with the best resolution.

 

[branimal]

Got it done. The threaded inserts broke away when I drilled them out. I should have spent more time cleaning off the oil I used in the drilling process before I welded the nuts on. I just wanted to get it done. Welds seem strong. I took a wrench and tried to crank the nuts off.

The cabinet is much thicker metal than a typical cabinet of this size. It was tough picking it up and putting into my Jeep. Someone was giving it away for free.

Thinking about putting my old Lincoln buzz box on it. That thing weighs > 100lbs. There are 4 mount points on the bottom of the Lincoln that I could use with nuts and bolts to attach it to the cabinet. Throw some welding tools / disposables in the 2 shallow drawers and my helmet in the large drawer.