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Gripping threads

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Gripping threads

#1

Gripping threads

Todd O. Cronkhite Native of Maine

>O.k. I've come into this delimma again, so it is time to find out how others deal with this situation.

The blade adjusting knob of the Millers Falls plane that I was zapping yesterday is rusted? to the short lenght of threads rod that it turns on. I zapped it three times and it won't let go. I tried holding the threads in the jaws of my vise jaws that where protected with some wooden jaw covers, but all it will do is spin.

I hate to use any plier type tools to hold the threads as I don't think I have a die that will repair the damaged threads. So, what tools do ya'all use to grip threads that won't damage them, but will give a good strong grip?

I don't think that the knob is permanetly froze to the threads and feel that if I can get a good enough grip the two pieces should seperate.

I couldn't find any nuts to thread onto the rod to use as jam nuts either. I've used that technique in other situations and it works good.

Todd O.

Re: Gripping threads

#2

Re: Gripping threads

Jack from Maine

>Todd,back in my mechanic days I found a trick for loosening stubborn threaded parts. Carefully apply heat to the threads(not enough heat to distort metal just hot enough to draw oil)and add some thin oil.The heat should draw the oil into the threads and help loosen things up.---Jack

Re: Gripping threads

#3

Todd, You need Red...

Scott Burr in Ben Lomond CA

>Green! Ductape (Ducktape) sp?;)

Put enough on the jaws to pad but not grab.

Scott being a poet and knowing it...

Re: Gripping threads

#4

Jim in Burlington Ont.

Re: Todd, You need Red...

Jim in Burlington Ontario

>2 nuts tighten them together on the threads.

Re: Gripping threads

#5

Re: Todd, You need Red...

Todd O. Cronkhite Native of Maine

>Scott,

I remembered that I had a piece of thick plastic that I scavenged out out the trash near a CNC machine. I went out to the shop, drilled a slightly undersized hole in it, than slotted it. Twisted the exposed threads into the hole and squeezed it in my vise. Good news is that I can't turn twist the threads in the hole. Bad news is that I can't twist the knob either. :~( Tomorrow I'll get some duct tape and tape the jaws of my monster pliers. I don't weanna put pliers directly on the knob and mess up the knurling.

Jim, I'd try the two nut trick if I could find nuts to fit that thread. Dang non standard threads anyway.

Jack, I never had much luck with the heat trick. I always end up discoloring the metal.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

Todd O.

Re: Gripping threads

#6

Re: Todd, You need Red...

Jay Hanks/ Columbus Ohio

>Todd, What about something like PB blaster? I have had to use it a couple times to get bolts lose that were frozen on cars. Might be worth a try. Jay

Re: Gripping threads

#7

Re: Gripping threads

Tim Caley - North Little Rock

>I've used penetrating oil in similar situations. Should be available at the box stores.

Re: Gripping threads

#8

Got it

Todd O. Cronkhite Native of Maine

>I let it set soaking overnight in Rost Off, came home this evening, taped up the jaws of my ajustable pliers, wrapped a few turns of tape arounf the knob, put it back in the plastic holder, squeezed it in my vise, and the knob turned off just as pretty as you please. :~)

Rost Off is put out by Wurth.

the more I use PB Blaster, the less I like it. Everybody raves about it, but I don't think it is any better than WD-40. When I was a but a lad growing up in Maine Liquid Wrench was the product that all the old-timers swore by. It was affectionally refered to as Weasel pis, er, er, whiz. Think I'll look for a can next time I'm out and about.

Thanks for all the suggestions dealing with this situation. The plane is all re-assembled and works a'treat.

Todd O.

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