You can use the Thread Repair Kit to remove a thread with a damaged hole and replace it with a new thread of the same size. They can also be used to provide strong threads for soft materials like aluminum.
The thread repair kit consists of cutting tools, drive tools, and several thread inserts. You will also need a drill and tap wrench to use the screw repair kit. The drill may or may not be included in the kit.
The most common type of screw insert used in screw repair kits is the spiral insert, commonly referred to by the trade name Helicoil. The spiral insert looks like a tightly wound spring. It consists of a filament wound from a diamond cross-section wire. At one end of the
coil is a small recess that engages the drive tool, allowing the insert to be screwed into the hole. A small notch on the wire allows you to cut this return after installing the insert.
The procedure for repairing a screw in a damaged hole with a spiral bit includes the following steps:
- Drill a damaged screw with a properly sized drill bit.
- Tap the hole with a special screw to accept the threaded insert. The required taps are included in the thread repair kit.
- Use the insertion tool to screw the insert into the hole just below the surface of the part.
- Loosen the insertion tool. When the torque is released from the insertion tool, the insert expands slightly. This will snap it to the part.
- Remove the peg where the thread puts the wire back over the hole. You can insert a punch or hex tool into a new thread and place it on the spigot. A blow with a hammer will break it.
Threads can be damaged in a variety of ways. If the male screw is damaged, for example, bolts and screws can often be cleaned by holding the die over it. If the thread is slightly damaged, you may be able to reshape the thread by simply moving the nut up and down, but there is a risk that the nut will fuse with the thread. This is a process called galling. Therefore, it is safer to use the dice at first.
There are several options for removing a thread from a hole. One option is to drill a hole and tap with a larger diameter screw. This is a good option if you have more room for fasteners. If you cannot create a new large screw hole, you can use a screw repair kit.
A complete thread repair kit is shown in the below figure:
This thread repair kit is equipped with a box with a fixed sponge for quick and convenient storage and transportation.