Damaged threads are a common problem among older vehicle models.
Instead of taking it to a professional mechanic, many people prefer to
do a repair job at home with a Heli coil repair kit.
Are you interested in learning how to repair a damaged thread? Follow these tips for professional results.
1. Get the Right Equipment
Before you attempt to do the repair, make sure that you have everything necessary.
There are certain things you will have to purchase in advance. A heli coil repair kit is the first and the most important piece. You will also need a two-handed tap wrench, thread gauge, the specified drill bit, a hammer, needle-nosed pliers and a round punch.
Thread kits consist of a high-speed steel drill, an installation tool, stainless steel wire coil and a tap. There could be some variations so read about the contents of the kit before you buy.
2. Do Some Measuring
Begin by identifying the original bolt's size. You can do that easily by matching the head to a wrench. Once you have made sure that you have the correct size, use the set of thread gauges to find the matching piece and identify the bolt size.
Now that you know the size of the original bolt, you can select a tap from the kit. Keep in mind that the new diameter is going to be slightly bigger than the size of the bolt but the threads are going to be the same.
3. Drill and Insert
Use the correct tap bit to drill out a hole. A drill press can be used to make more precise adjustments, in case the bolt angle is critical.
Next, use the two-handed tap wrench. Insert the tap into it and place it in the hole you just drilled. Hold the two-handed tap wrench at a right angle to the surface. Turn the wrench clockwise just half a turn. It would be sufficient to start the thread.
Once you accomplish that, turn the two-handed tap wrench anticlockwise just a third. It will break the ribbon of metal. Now you should rotate clockwise once again, half a turn. Next, reverse the direction and rotate anticlockwise to break the swarf. The pattern should remain the same until you manage to fully cut the new thread.
4. Use the Insert
Now that the new thread is cut, you are ready to pick the right insert. The kit contains a matching thread driver. Get the insert and screw it onto the end of the thread driver.
Keep the wire at the end of the insert at a 90-degree angle. It forms a break-off tab that prevents the insert from moving in the thread driver. Place the end of the insert into the newly made and threaded hole. Screw it in. Three to four turns should be sufficient. Make sure that it binds. Once the heli coil has been screwed in, snap the 90-degree wire off. Use a hammer to do that.
This is it! Screw the original bolt in. Test fit into the insert to make sure that you have done a good job with the heli coil repair.
Are you interested in learning how to repair a damaged thread? Follow these tips for professional results.
1. Get the Right Equipment
Before you attempt to do the repair, make sure that you have everything necessary.
There are certain things you will have to purchase in advance. A heli coil repair kit is the first and the most important piece. You will also need a two-handed tap wrench, thread gauge, the specified drill bit, a hammer, needle-nosed pliers and a round punch.
Thread kits consist of a high-speed steel drill, an installation tool, stainless steel wire coil and a tap. There could be some variations so read about the contents of the kit before you buy.
2. Do Some Measuring
Begin by identifying the original bolt's size. You can do that easily by matching the head to a wrench. Once you have made sure that you have the correct size, use the set of thread gauges to find the matching piece and identify the bolt size.
Now that you know the size of the original bolt, you can select a tap from the kit. Keep in mind that the new diameter is going to be slightly bigger than the size of the bolt but the threads are going to be the same.
Helicoil
3. Drill and Insert
Use the correct tap bit to drill out a hole. A drill press can be used to make more precise adjustments, in case the bolt angle is critical.
Next, use the two-handed tap wrench. Insert the tap into it and place it in the hole you just drilled. Hold the two-handed tap wrench at a right angle to the surface. Turn the wrench clockwise just half a turn. It would be sufficient to start the thread.
Once you accomplish that, turn the two-handed tap wrench anticlockwise just a third. It will break the ribbon of metal. Now you should rotate clockwise once again, half a turn. Next, reverse the direction and rotate anticlockwise to break the swarf. The pattern should remain the same until you manage to fully cut the new thread.
4. Use the Insert
Now that the new thread is cut, you are ready to pick the right insert. The kit contains a matching thread driver. Get the insert and screw it onto the end of the thread driver.
Keep the wire at the end of the insert at a 90-degree angle. It forms a break-off tab that prevents the insert from moving in the thread driver. Place the end of the insert into the newly made and threaded hole. Screw it in. Three to four turns should be sufficient. Make sure that it binds. Once the heli coil has been screwed in, snap the 90-degree wire off. Use a hammer to do that.
This is it! Screw the original bolt in. Test fit into the insert to make sure that you have done a good job with the heli coil repair.
