Stripped Door Hinge Nut

[rpatowers]

One of the top hinge bolts on my driver's door is stripped. The door doesn't hange right and the stripped bolt many be contributing to that. I would get a smaller diameter bolt and a nut and fix things that way, but there isn't enough room to come in from the inside to hold the nut while I tighten the bolt.

I think the only alternative I have is to drill out the bolt hole and tap the hole for a larger diameter bolt. Is that what you all do? What size bolt and tap would you all recommend?

If you have any other solutions to this, I'm listening and would appreciate hearing about it.

Thanks!

Roy Bob

72 4 x 4 Stepside - original owner

[Sammy]

Correct door hinge bolts are fine threaded. It is very easy if you are unaware of that to mess those threads up. Even have seen the nut plate break free falling inside the door pillar leaving no choice but to gain access by cutting a opening. Sometimes you can re-thread and clean the threads with the correct fine threaded tap and add a washer under the head in your case. If not possible you are on the right path in a correct solution. Using a Helicoil is another alternative.

[SS Tim]

If the threads are bad I'd use a Keensert instead of a Helicoil.

[rpatowers]

I've never used a Helicoil or Keensert. Could someone please tell me exactly which Helicoil of Keensert I need to purchase to fix my problem?

One other thing: The title on this post is incorrect. It should read: "Stripped Door Hinge Nut." The bolt is OK. It's the nut that is stripped.

Thank you very much!!!

Roy

[68_Step]

I have never used Keensert either... Here is a video explaining how they work:

Thread Repair Using a Keensert Insert - YouTube

[rpatowers]

Thank you, 68 Step! That is a great video and I now have an understanding on how I should proceed.

Thanks again!!

Roy

[BigCountryx]

I have drilled and re tapped a couple with no problems. Need to open up the holes in the hing as well to do it.
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[SS Tim]

Sorry Ray I missed your question. Just Google Keensert and you should be able to find a supplier. Tried to determine the actual bolt thread but have having trouble finding it.

The reason I'm suggesting a Keensert is that it is an actual insert that the bolt threads into. Where as the Helicoil is a diamond shaped wire that is threaded into a repair formed oversize thread. This wire can be cross threaded, damaged and just be a pita all the way around on fastener holes that are not well supported and infrequently cycled. Door bolts by nature are hard to start and are used as an adjustment point (cycled a lot). Hope this helps some.

[leddzepp]

Fixed your title, and I agree with SSTim, use a Keensert.
Posted via Mobile Device

[68_Step]

Googled and found this:
http://www.carrlane.com/catalog/index.cfm

http://www.mscdirect.com/product/35475102

[Hart_Rod]

Looks like a cool product.

[Kirby454]

Anyone ever try using a rivnut in this situation?

[twotrucks]

I stripped one of the nut plates on the cab side and fixed it with using a M10x1.5 bolt.
I did run a tap through the nut plate first; worked fine.

[Peanut74]

Kirby454, I personally would not use a rivnut. My experience is if you over come the friction force capturing it your in for hours of fun trying to drill it out. With the Keensert as with a Helicoil it uses threads to keep it in place. If it does happen to back out you just screw in a new Keensert. A lot easier.