Spot welds to create new metal for threading?

[rcx132]

I've started a new restoration project, I'm in the process of stripping the jeep down. Almost all the screws on the front body panels needed to have the bolts and machine screws drilled out. Most of the bolts came out using left handed drill bits and tricks like that but this one was different, I don't know what happened, as I drilled the drill bit grabbed metal beyond it's diameter and pulled it all out leaving a big hole.

I was wondering, could I fill the hole with my welder and retap it? I prefer not to tap a larger thread and I'm not a fan of helicoils.

 

[Melvyn Best]

Weld a nut in , or maybe weld a nut to a repair washer , cut the hole to size and weld the washer in using a bolt to hold it in position

 

[pedrobedro]

It would be easier to cut a piece out with the old nut on the back and put a piece in with a new nut welded to it.

 

[grim_d]

To answer your question, yes you can weld it up then drill and tap. It will be slightly harder than the original so use good quality drills and taps but it is certainly possible.

 

[qwakers]

but rivnuts are far easier

 

[chunkolini]

Should work, for this sort of job I always do a bunch of practice pieces to get a good feel for the job, then balls it up completely

 

[grim_d]

but rivnuts are far easier

Not a fan, need to have or make a tool, they can come loose with flexing just like blinds (then they are a real pain!) And it's another place for water to gather and create a nice big hole.

 

[qwakers]

all of which (except needing the tool) can be alleviated by using a bit of studlock.

 

[grim_d]

Solution to problems that shouldn't exist in the first place though.