A fastener is only as good as its thread.. if you work with fasteners it won't be long before you experience the not so wonderful situation of encountering a stripped thread. Depending on what you're working on, the implications could be minor, or they could be the beginning of a prolonged 4 hour dismantling operation to resolve the problem.

Either way, stripped threads are nobody's idea of a good time. In this article with Bolt-In Co Sunshine Coast, we take a look at common causes and solutions for stripped threads. If you're looking for high quality fasteners in Australia, contact us for more information. We ship Australia-wide and we stock quality fasteners at reasonable prices!

What is a Stripped Thread?

Before we take a look at the common causes and solutions, it might be helpful to clarify what we're talking about in regards to stripped threads. Read ahead if you're already up to speed! A fastener (such as a bolt) has an external thread, which matches to the internal grooves on its matching fastening component which may be a nut or a threaded hole. 

The job of the external threads is to slide into the matching internal threads in the female component to create the fastening connection.

A stripped thread is a type of fastener failure. When the threads (external or internal) in the nut / threaded hole or bolt become damaged. Damaged threads can result in a few different outcomes, none of which are desirable. 

A Useless but Interesting Fact

Have you ever wondered when the first threaded fasteners were invented? They came into being during the Middle Ages, but were hand-forged and with no consistency in design standards. Still, a pretty good job by the old-school blacksmiths! It wasn't until the Industrial Revolution began, in the mid 1800's, that machine-made fasteners of a consistent standard were produced.

Problems Caused by Stripped Threads

Some of the problems caused by stripped threads include:

1. Reduction in holding power

Without the proper grip, fasteners are reduced in their ability to fasten - which can compromise the structural integrity of the assembly. 

2. Difficulty Removing or Reinstalling

A stripped thread can result in fasteners locking up, making them difficult or impossible to remove. If removal is successful, reusing the fastener is likely not an option due to the damaged thread. 

Stripped threads are frustrating and time consuming to resolve. At Bolt-In Co, we believe they should be avoided at any cost!

Common Causes of Stripped Threads

There are quite a few reasons why threads may be stripped. Here are some of the common ones we encounter:

1. Poor Quality Fasteners

If you buy cheap, you get cheap. Poor quality fasteners can be inadequate for the task at hand - or any task for that matter. We strongly recommend using good quality fasteners. We stock a wide range of good quality fasteners at reasonable prices - contact us for more information.

2. Over-Tightening

Over-tightening fasteners can damage the thread. This is usually due to the thread being sheared off due to excessive torque. 

3. Cross-Threading

In the event the nut and bolt aren't properly aligned, cross threading can occur - when the fastener is tightened at the incorrect angle, damaging the thread. 

4. Thread Mismatch

Using the correct nut with its matching bolt is essential to get a good outcome. Mixing and matching nuts and bolts can lead to thread damage. 

5. Dirt or Debris

If fasteners aren't clear of dirt and debris, this can cause damage to threads which you need to recall are precision-manufactured to function properly. 

6. Fastener Fatigue

Over time, multiple repetitions of fastening and unfastening can cause wear and tear on threads. Again, this will depend on the quality of the fasteners being used in the first place, and whether they are of sufficient quality for the application. 

Solutions for Stripped Threads

There are a variety of solutions for situations where a thread has been stripped. The applicability of the solution depends on the individual situation and whether it is a nut or threaded hole. Solutions will need to be assessed by a professional to understand whether sufficiency for mechanical requirements. Examples of solutions for stripped threads include options such as:

1. Drill & Tap

Drilling and tapping the hole to go up in size to a larger fastener. 

2. Helicoil

Helicoil is a threaded wire insert that forms a new integration by expanding as the fastener is tightened. Unlike drilling and tapping, using a helicoil does not require increasing the hole size.

3. Thread Repair Kit

A thread repair kit may be used to create new threads and make the repair with the original fastener.

4. Epoxy / Filler

For low-torque applications, using epoxy to recreate internal threads. 

5. Replacement

In a nut/bolt scenario, a stripped thread can best be resolved by replacing the components if possible. 

In Conclusion

 

Stripped threads are a frustrating and common occurrence when you work with fasteners on a regular basis. The best way to avoid them is to use high quality fasteners and good work practices. Naturally, they may be encountered at any time through circumstances out of your control, depending on the job. However, if you're able to work with quality products whenever possible, you will save yourself the hassle. Talk to our team for more information - we provide high-quality fasteners in a wide variety, shipped Australia-wide, at reasonable prices.