Thread Repair Tools

Thread Repair Tools Information

There are a few different methods for tackling damaged or faulty threads, depending on the severity of the problem, the type of fastener and the way it interacts with surrounding components.

Here's Our Quick Application Guide

• External Threads - male components like bolts can have their threads repaired using a type of rethreading die, known as a die nut, as long as the starting threads are intact enough to get it started. These threads can also be restored or cleaned up with thread restoring files. Note that rethreading will take some material off and the fastener's effectiveness will be reduced to some degree as a result. Therefore, depending on the role of the component, this may be suitable only as a temporary solution, or not suitable at all for critical applications.
• Internal Threads - in the case of minor damage or a build up of debris, internal threads can often be repaired or cleaned up by running a tap, threading tool or thread restoring file through them. However, as noted previously, any rethreading of an existing hole will remove material with the consequence that performance and durability may be compromised. An alternative is to drill out the hole and tap a new (larger) thread into it, though in many cases this is not viable and an exact replacement is required. In this case the most common solution is to drill and tap an oversized hole and use a thread insert which perfectly matches the previous thread. Thread inserts are available by themselves or as thread repair kits which include the neccessary drill bit, tap and tools for installation.