Threading mistake, solution?

Robert_Phelps

Robert_Phelps

Joined
Nov 29, 2005
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475
I got a 6-32 tap and die, and the proper #drill bit for the tap, the other day, to try and thread a tang. I threaded the tang, but I think I had made it too small first. The threads are pretty shallow. I drilled out a sample piece of brass for a test pommel, and it isn't so bad it'll just fit into the hole sans-thread, but probably will be loose when threaded. I was wondering, would it be possible to tap the brass piece with the threaded tang itself? (Just screw the thing on slowly?) Or should I chance it being loose, and use the tap?

Any other solutions?

Man, this tapping stuff is a whole new outlet for my OCD :p
 
Thread forming is not trivial with the proper equipment, the way you're talking about is not likely to give good results. If you're feeling adventuresome and are hell bent to do it, I'd use a high pressure moly grease or similar as a lubricant. Actually I'd use moly-dee, but most folks don't keep that

I'd bet money that using a tap will still work better. The standard tap will cut unused clearance in the female part that your truncated threads won't engage, but not having that clearance there doesn't change your situation, which is inadequate thread depth.

Now, if this is an adjustable die and you can tighten it down to cut your threads deeper (under ANSI spec), then that is a different story.
 
Tap the pommel and thread it on with some epoxy on the threads ( for the final assembly.
Stacy
 
Alrighty, that's pretty much what I was thinking. If it comes off with the epoxy, it's a removable d-guard pommel nut (less "removable" I suppose with the epoxy), so it wouldn't be the end of the world. Thanks for the help:thumbup:
 
If there is room enough to bore the hole bigger, you could put in a thread repair insert.
Stacy
 
1) Use a smaller drill than normal for the hole in your pommel. Brass threads really easily and this should help a bit.
2) if the tang is not heat treated, go down a size of threads-for example, if you started @ 10-32, go to 8-32. this will require a new tap and die.
3) go with what you have and add a couple of pins thru the pommel into the butt end of the handle. Use epoxy as suggested to secure the pommel and then add the pins.
 
Problem is he has already drilled the pommel, and wanted to be able to take down the knife for maintenance. If the threads are too loose after tapping the pommel, the only solution I can see is to install an insert, Braze on a piece of all thread, or change to a fixed pommel (epoxy).
Stacy
 
You're using 6-32, which is actually pretty small. If it were me, I might drill out a 1/4-20 bolt to fit over your tang and TIG or braze it in place (or perhaps even solder), then tap the pommel 1/4-20.
 
Well, I threaded it, and it actually screwed on ok. I think it would stay with a little drop of super glue or something. (Which I would imagine you could just break free if needed) But it did seem small after I got it all finished. I may try to move some metal around and start over.
 
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