attworth Posted March 30, 2009 Share Posted March 30, 2009 I've been looking around for some thread chasers. I found this thread - http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=72944&highlight=%22thread+chaser%22 which led me to the McMaster site. I did a search and came up with - http://www.mcmaster.com/#thread-chasers/=189hxq I'm wondering what I actually need. I've never used a thread chaser. I know what they do, but looking at the pictures, I have no idea what I'll really need to freshen up my motor. I'd like to chase all the threaded holes that I remove things from. I won't be messing with the block, but I will be removing the head, and have already removed the intake/exhaust and all accessories on the motor. This part number (2542A51) is for the combination "internal/external" chaser. Can anybody clarify what those terms actually mean? Or perhaps point me in the direction of what I may need? I'd hate to order something only to find out it doesn't include the sizes I need. I've read through my "How to rebuild" book, but haven't really noticed any direct references to chaser sizes needed. Thanks everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogie Posted March 30, 2009 Share Posted March 30, 2009 I was going to pick up this set from sears. It is a pretty decent price and seems to be reviewed well the places I have found it. They are currently out of stock here otherwise I would already have it http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942275000P?keyword=tap+and+die Harbor freight has a full metric set of taps and dies for $12. I am not sure on the quality, but I am sure it would work for awhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
attworth Posted March 30, 2009 Author Share Posted March 30, 2009 That does seem like a good deal - thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sorealsosurreal Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Do you mean a tap and die set? go on ebay and get a good quality snap-on, matco, or mac set. if you break a tap they have lifetime warrantys. they are pretty pricey but definetly worth it. just my 2 cents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowlerMonkey Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Careful with aluminum. Taps put into a hole that has good threads but with dirt can cause the always hungry tap to eat some thread. Go easy with them on aluminum and only work them the minimum needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Purple240zt Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 I have that thread restorer kit except I paid mac tools 125 for it. It is a must have kit for the garage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
super74 Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 I have the Craftsman thread chaser kit and it contains many useful sizes, both metric and SAE. I must say that I did accidentally break the M8X1.25 chaser, as they are not nearly as hard or tough as the fasteners that you'd put in the holes. It happened so quickly that I didn't even realize what was going on. Luckily, I was able to replace that one with an ARP chasing tap of the same size. It is much harder than the Craftsman ones, and more closely resembles the taps of the traditional "cutting" variety that are sold so many places. All things considered, the Craftsman kit is pretty good, just be mindful of resistance you encounter when cleaning, and stop the tap if it becomes tough to turn, then clean the hole with a small brush if possible before proceeding. One thing to remember about running taps through existing holes to clean the threads is not to use a cutting tap if it is possible to get the "cleaning" (chasing) variety. The cleaning tap is basically a fastener with vertical flutes cut into its shank that provide room for the dirt and junk that you're pulling out. Cutting taps are so hard and sharp that it's possible to damage the threads you're trying to clean. Just my $.02. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Careless Posted April 12, 2009 Share Posted April 12, 2009 use a RETHREADER to chase holes and push the threads back into shape slowly, and use a TAP to cut new material into the threads. I usually avoid TAP use in holes that need to have the fastener torqued to a certain spec. The way I see it, the bolt's torque is relative to the amount of thread engagement within the hole it is being threaded into, and some threads are a little more aggresive than others. If you TAP that thread, you are effectively removing thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Purple240zt Posted April 13, 2009 Share Posted April 13, 2009 In a pinch, I have had good luck cutting vertical slots into a bolt too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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