Rethread kits (i.e. blunt taps)

[rcx132]

Has anyone seen these kits, they are basically blunt taps to repair old threads, I think the idea is that they don't cut metal out because they are blunt, so they just push the old threads back into position and get the kak out of the old thread. I always feel like taps are taking out more metal and weakening the original thread. From what I can see these rethreaders are not even hardened, they also don't come in fine sizes and unfortunately my Suzuki's are all fine pitch threads...

So what do you think if I just take a selection of cap head bolt and cut grooves down the threads with a milling machine?

 

[gaz_moose]

i thought they were just for cleaning up threads.ie cleaning out dirt/swarf etc.. although i have used them on spark plug holes when the plug felt tight going back in.
i would avoid any cheap and nasty brand tap and die kits. i bought one a while back and the threads on the taps were terrible and wanted a die running down them, same for the dies.

 

[atomant48]

They are ok. They do come in fine threads - I’ve got a bunch. One of the few things SO don’t charge an arm and leg for! What sizes you after?

 

[rcx132]

They are ok. They do come in fine threads - I’ve got a bunch. One of the few things SO don’t charge an arm and leg for! What sizes you after?

M10, M12, M14 in fine pitch.

I've only ever found the kit above, but sold under a few brand names, where did you get your fine pitch ones?

 

[armalites]

I've got a Snap On RTD48 set which looks similar to the set in the picture. It's a very useful thing and you can buy all the parts separately.

It has Metric fine/course and UNC/UNF

They were on special recently I think they were about £80, within a week it had got me out of trouble on a job

 

[atomant48]

M10, M12, M14 in fine pitch.

I've only ever found the kit above, but sold under a few brand names, where did you get your fine pitch ones?

Snap on. I’ve alsk got the kit mentioned above, as well as a few spares. Individually they’re only about £5 or so each.

 

[brightspark]

not much cop on blind holes as it will push the crap to the end . Nielsen is carboot dealer tat

 

[Pete.]

They look like an iteration of thread-forming taps which are actually quite useful for re-forming a thread that has just barely picked up and rolled the crest on. The quality just going from the pics is going to be pretty dire IMO.

Good tool, poor example of it.

 

[rcx132]

Found the snap-on ones: https://store.snapon.com/Rethreadin...tric-Rethreading-Tap-Blue-Point--P662833.aspx

There is a Snap-on kit and it looks identical to the Neilson one! I'll order one of the snap-on ones as they come in fine pitch, will see if the Neilson ones are any worse.

 

[zzr1200]

I'd just order the correct hss tap from Tracey Tools...

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

I have the Snap on kit. Good for cleaning threads from old grease and crud.
Also good the "push" the threads back into place if you had to grunt them out.
Don't use them the repair damaged threads.

The files can be a bit ???, but with care can get you out of a hole.

 

[Bill Edwards]

I'd just order the correct hss tap from Tracey Tools...

Get a tap in wrong and you'll no longer have a thread. Way overkill sometimes when you simply want to clean dirt out.

A hacksaw cut on a bolt/nut is a good method to clean threads without any risk of damage.

 

[anto44]

I have the snap on set a few years now. They call it a thread restorer kit. I'd call it a thread cleaning kit, they're a brilliant tool for cleaning out dirty threads and restoring lightly damaged threads but definitely not cutting new threads in anything.

Also have a snap on set thats for cleaning up cv joints and spindles.

That's got me out of a few holes

 

[zzr1200]

Get a tap in wrong and you'll no longer have a thread. Way overkill sometimes when you simply want to clean dirt out.

A hacksaw cut on a bolt/nut is a good method to clean threads without any risk of damage.

I've been using die/die nuts/taps to clean threads out for 45+ years now, working as a commercial vehicle mechanic/plant mechanic.
If the thread is damaged to the point it can't be recovered with a die/tap your better off using a helicoil or a new nut possibly, even welding up the hole and then re-machining the fixing.

 

[MattF]

I've been using die/die nuts/taps to clean threads out for 45+ years now, working as a commercial vehicle mechanic/plant mechanic.
If the thread is damaged to the point it can't be recovered with a die/tap your better off using a helicoil or a new nut possibly, even welding up the hole and then re-machining the fixing.

Same here. I always use taps & dies. I look at it in that any thread which is damaged and then forced back into place is going to be weaker anyhow, so better to just have that portion recut. Unless people are animals with taps/dies, it's nigh on impossible to knack a reasonable thread with them.

 

[Bill Edwards]

I've been using die/die nuts/taps to clean threads out for 45+ years now, working as a commercial vehicle mechanic/plant mechanic.
If the thread is damaged to the point it can't be recovered with a die/tap your better off using a helicoil or a new nut possibly, even welding up the hole and then re-machining the fixing.

No what I’m saying is that if you’re cleaning a thread with a tap and get it wrong (crossed, wrong pitch) it’s ruined.
Get it wrong with a softer, blunt tool and you won’t remove any metal.

I’ve used taps too, but I would say that there are better methods for cleaning threads.

 

[MattF]

No what I’m saying is that if you’re cleaning a thread with a tap and get it wrong (crossed, wrong pitch) it’s ruined.
Get it wrong with a softer, blunt tool and you won’t remove any metal.

I’ve used taps too, but I would say that there are better methods for cleaning threads.

Granted, there are the odd occasions where a thread has been damaged in such a way that it can be a bit of an **** clencher starting off with a tap or die, especially if the original cutter was a bong eyed beggar who wouldn't know a right angle if it slapped them.

 

[doubleboost]

I have a snap on blue point metric set
Pulled me out of the Brown stuff a few times
The nuts are good as they can be used to clean manifold studs using a socket and extension bar
They are classed as consumables às far as I am concerned

 

[rcx132]

Thanks for feedback, I only needed three sizes so have ordered them from Snapon, £4 each.

 

[123hotchef]

Thanks for feedback, I only needed three sizes so have ordered them from Snapon, £4 each.

Do you have a link please?