Rethreading hole for grease fitting?

[mark.r]

One of the grease fittings on my mower got knocked out this weekend. The good news thing is that it did not break off in the hole so the hole is clear. The bad news is that the first couple threads look to have been "disturbed" so I have not been able to insert a new fitting. Is the best (or only) way to fix this is to us a tap and dye re-thread the hole to 6 or 8 mm (can't remember which it is). I have never used a dye set but I can imagine I can make my way through it if it is the right way to fix the problem.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[JerryG]

They make a four-way tool for just what you are needing to do. Most places that sell patches and valves have them. I don't remember if I have seen a metric one or not, but I'm sure they have them as well.

 

[mark.r]

They make a four-way tool for just what you are needing to do. Most places that sell patches and valves have them. I don't remember if I have seen a metric one or not, but I'm sure they have them as well.

Thanks Jerry. So that I am clear, this four way tool is a specialty item made just for grease fittings or is a more universal tool for rethreading all types of threads? You wouldn't happen to know what it's called would you?

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[mark.r]

Yes, pretty frustrating to not be able to find one of these tools for metric sizes. I guess I will have to by a small tap and die set and go that route, hoping that the set has the appropriate taps. I guess I could go the "press" fitting route since it is for a low pressue application.

 

[mechanic]

I do this quite often fixing threads. I always take my guage tool and check the threads on the piece I want to thread in make sure I have the right tap. Several years ago I bought a tap and die set and use it quite often. You can not go wrong if you check your threaded piece first then tap your thread.

 

[MrJimi]

I have bought these at NAPA and it was a kit with all needed and I'm pretty sure it's a tapered thread like a pipe thread
You will do fine

 

[mark.r]

I have bought these at NAPA and it was a kit with all needed and I'm pretty sure it's a tapered thread like a pipe thread
You will do fine

Lowes has a decent metric tap set that I am going to look at. Although I don't know if it has tapered taps or not.

 

[MrJimi]

Mark, bring a grease fitting with you and like another member mentioned, match threads
The NAPA kit is made for grease fittings
I think this is the 4 way tool that Jerryg is talking about
http://napaonline.com/MasterPages/N...PartNumber=7151198&Description=Grease+Fitting

 

[RedRocker]

If it's tapered it won't be metric.

 

[mark.r]

If it's tapered it won't be metric.

I bought some metric replacements from TSC on Sunday and they looked to work. No let me say even the ones that came on the mower when I bought it did not look to screw all the way into the hole which leads me to believe that perhaps the hole IS tapered but Kioti installed "normal" 6mm metric fittings. Does that make sense?

 

[JerryG]

Thanks Jerry. So that I am clear, this four way tool is a specialty item made just for grease fittings or is a more universal tool for rethreading all types of threads? You wouldn't happen to know what it's called would you?

Thanks for the heads up.

It is made specifically for grease fittings. I don't know where you would find a metric one but I am sure they make them. I can't see them being made for SAE and not metric. Here is what the tool looks like. Click on the little plus (+) beside the number.
Easy-Out Fitting Tools - Alemite

 

[Soundguy]

TSC sells both metric and sae tools.

I have each. It has a broken zerk fluted extractor.. a thread chase, and a couple nipple wrench ends.

I'd used this tool to thread soft aluminum housings to install zerks after predrilling a pilot hole, and for chasing bad initial threads in stell.. works fine ans JerryG said.

Soundguy

Thanks Jerry. So that I am clear, this four way tool is a specialty item made just for grease fittings or is a more universal tool for rethreading all types of threads? You wouldn't happen to know what it's called would you?

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Soundguy]

Forgot to add.. smear grease ont he chase section.. screw in, and then back out to clear the chips. If you are lucky.. the grease on the chase will entrail the metal chips..

Otherwise i like to have the joint disassembled to clear the metal out.. i know in some cases it is not possible.

Soundguy

 

[mark.r]

TSC sells both metric and sae tools.

I have each. It has a broken zerk fluted extractor.. a thread chase, and a couple nipple wrench ends.

I'd used this tool to thread soft aluminum housings to install zerks after predrilling a pilot hole, and for chasing bad initial threads in stell.. works fine ans JerryG said.

Soundguy

Ok, I will check with them at lunch today. They must stock them in the tool section and not near the replacement grease fittings. I am assuming that since I am just cleaning up a hole there is not need to do any pilot drilling although using a bit of grease to help "grab" the metal shavings is a good idea.

 

[Soundguy]

At my TSC they are near the grease fittings.. etc / grease guns.. etc.

You already have a hole.. you just need to chase it.

If that don't work.. try the next largest size 'drive' fitting to make it fit.

Soundguy