Thread repair tip

[davepl]

Yesterday I cross-threaded the top fitting on my brand new AC condenser. If the fitting couldn't be saved, the whole unit (250 or so, I imagine) was toast. If I had a magical tap that went together in two halves I might have been able to "back it out" and fix the end threads.

I'm fortunate to have a local shop that only works on old cars (pre computer) and is staffed by guys in their 60s that have forgotten more than I know.

The owner (Jim) told me that there is indeed such a tap, but didn't have one on hand that big (13/16" I think). But what he did have is a thread file, something I've managed to never hear of in 20 years of shadetree work.

So, he gave me his thread file, I figured out it was 16 threads per inch, and he told me to be patient and work slowly. He did have a one-piece die big enough, but it's a crapshoot of where you start it if you're going to wind up on the same threads.

The thread file, however, allowed me to fix the threads well enough that I could turn the tube nut on by hand. Saved the entire condenser for me. Pretty sure that a dealership or other shop would have told me the condenser needed to be replaced.

I hope at places like Wyotech or community colleges they're still teaching that kind of stuff, because there's more to a good tech than reading OBD2 codes and replacing modules!

[DBD]

Yah, I have this kit and it's been great!

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-40-pc...3&blockType=G3

[dwcsr]

If you ever did brakes on tractor trailer you had a thread file and a thread repair tool
Amazon.com: OTC 7402 Universal Outside Thread...

[Bigdav160]

Thread files are essential tools. I was going to mention that in your other thread but I figured you already knew that.

[95 S_Trucker]

I have a thread repair kit(not a tap and die set). I has many internal and external thread chasers, and 2, eight way thread files, One metric, and one standard. That kit has saved my tail many times.

http://store.snapon.com/U-S-Metric-C...c-P641094.aspx

[ERASER5]

The condenser would not be scrap any way. There are fix it parts available. Some use a crush fitting on the tube others silver solder on. I prefer the silver solder method my self. And after cleanup, it can look like it belongs.

[PanelDeland]

Thread files are a life saver.I've used them tons of times to fix threads in place that otherwise would have meant days of disassembly and trucking to a machine shop and back then reassembly. They a great fix if they'll work but do require some patience.

[davepl]

I'm sure we've all seen tools rebranded - my Mastercool hydraulic flaring tool is sold by Mac for twice the price, as an example.

Another example is the thread repair kit I bought after this incident. $44 at Sears online:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-40-pc...p-00952105000P

Yet on Amazon the same one, even by Craftsman no less, is $72.99

Or you can by it from Sealey for $175 (that might be the metric edition though).

You can also buy it from Snap-On for $128.70

I appreciate that Snap-On probably has a better warranty than Craftsman, although some Craftsman hand tools are warrantied for life (somehow never the ones that I break though).

Still, it pays to compare, as you can pay 3-4X the price.

[truckdude239]

I have the snap on set at work its a mean set i love it use it everyday

[donut]

Got the MAC one and use it quite often. Prior to that, I had a few small 3 corner files if I had to clean dinged bolt threads.