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CHAPTER 3

FASTENERS AND
THREAD REPAIR

OBJECTIVES
After studying Chapter 3, the reader will be able to: 3. Describe the proper use of nonthreaded fasteners.
4. Discuss how snap rings are used.
1. Explain the terms used to identify bolts and other threaded
fasteners.
2. Explain the strength ratings of threaded fasteners.

KEY TERMS
Bolts (p. 29) Penetrating Oil (p. 37)
Cap Screws (p. 29) Pitch (p. 29)
Capillary Action (p. 37) Pop Rivet (p. 36)
Christmas Tree Clips (p. 35) Prevailing Torque Nuts (p. 32)
Cotter Pins (p. 36) Self-Tapping Screw (p. 34)
Crest (p. 29) Snap Ring (p. 35)
Die (p. 32) Stud (p. 29)
Grade (p. 30) Tap (p. 32)
Helical Insert (p. 38) Tensile Strength (p. 31)
Helicoil (p. 38) Threaded Insert (p. 39)
Jam Nut (p. 36) UNC (Unified National Coarse) (p. 29)
Metric Bolts (p. 29) UNF (Unified National Fine) (p. 29)
Pal Nut (p. 36) Washers (p. 34)

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Fasteners and Thread Repair 29

THREADED FASTENERS
Most of the threaded fasteners used on vehicles are cap
screws. They are called cap screws when they are threaded
into a casting. Automotive service technicians usually refer to
these fasteners as bolts, regardless of how they are used. In
this chapter, they are called bolts. Sometimes, studs are used
for threaded fasteners. A stud is a short rod with threads on
both ends. Often, a stud will have coarse threads on one end
and fine threads on the other end. The end of the stud with FIGURE 3-2 Thread pitch gauge used to measure the pitch of the
coarse threads is screwed into the casting. A nut is used on the thread.This bolt has 13 threads to the inch.
opposite end to hold the parts together.
The fastener threads must match the threads in the cast-
ing or nut. The threads may be measured either in fractions of
an inch (called fractional) or in metric units. The size is mea-
sured across the outside of the threads, called the crest of the
thread. See Figure 3-1.
Fractional threads are either coarse or fine. The coarse
threads are called Unified National Coarse (UNC), and the
ROUND FLATHEAD CAPSCREW HEX-HEAD
fine threads are called Unified National Fine (UNF). Stan- HEAD SCREW BOLT
dard combinations of sizes and number of threads per inch SCREW
(called pitch) are used. Pitch can be measured with a thread
pitch gauge as shown in Figure 3-2.
Bolts are identified by their diameter and length as mea-
sured from below the head, and not by the size of the head or

HEAD
TORX ALLEN CHEESE PAN HEAD
BOLT BOLT HEAD SCREW
SCREW

FIGURE 3-3 Bolts and screws have many different heads which
determine what tool must be used.

the size of the wrench used to remove or install the bolt. Bolts
BOLT and screws have many different-shaped heads. See Figure 3-3.
LENGTH THREADS Fractional thread sizes are specified by the diameter in
(SHANK) fractions of an inch and the number of threads per inch.
Typical UNC thread sizes would be 5/1618 and 1/213.
Similar UNF thread sizes would be 5/1624 and 1/220.
PITCH (mm) See Figure 3-4.

MINOR
METRIC BOLTS
DIAMETER THREAD
DEPTH The size of a metric bolt is specified by the letter M followed
by the diameter in millimeters (mm) across the outside (crest)
MAJOR
DIAMETER of the threads. Typical metric sizes would be M8 and M12. Fine
metric threads are specified by the thread diameter followed by
FIGURE 3-1 The dimensions of a typical bolt showing where sizes are X and the distance between the threads measured in millime-
measured. ters (M8 1.5). See Figure 3-5.

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30 CHAPTER 3

FIGURE 3-5 The metric system specifies fasteners by diameter,length,

and pitch.

ROLLING THREADS

FIGURE 3-6 Stronger threads are created by cold-rolling a heat-treated

bolt blank instead of cutting the threads using a die.

to indicate their grade strength. Graded bolts are commonly

used in the suspension parts of the vehicle but can be used al-
most anywhere in the vehicle.
The actual grade of bolts is two more than the number of
lines on the bolt head. Metric bolts have a decimal number to
indicate the grade. More lines or a higher grade number indicate
a stronger bolt. Higher grade bolts usually have threads that are
FIGURE 3-4 The American National System is one method of sizing rolled rather than cut, which also makes them stronger. See
fasteners. Figure 3-6. In some cases, nuts and machine screws have simi-
lar grade markings.

GRADES OF BOLTS CAUTION: Never use hardware store (nongraded) bolts, studs, or nuts
on any vehicle steering, suspension, or brake component. Always use the
Bolts are made from many different types of steel, and for this exact size and grade of hardware that is specified and used by the vehicle
reason some are stronger than others. The strength or classifi- manufacturer.
cation of a bolt is called the grade. The bolt heads are marked

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Fasteners and Thread Repair 31

TENSILE STRENGTH
Graded fasteners have a higher tensile strength than non-
graded fasteners. Tensile strength is the maximum stress
used under tension (lengthwise force) without causing failure
of the fastener. Tensile strength is specified in pounds per METRIC
square inch (PSI). See the following chart that shows the grade 4.6 8.8 9.8 10.9 CLASS
and specified tensile strength.
APPROXIMATE
The strength and type of steel used in a bolt is supposed MAXIMUM POUND
to be indicated by a raised mark on the head of the bolt. The 60,000 120,000 130,000 150,000
FORCE PER
type of mark depends on the standard to which the bolt was SQUARE INCH
manufactured. Most often, bolts used in machinery are made
to SAE Standard J429. FIGURE 3-7 Metric bolt (cap screw) grade markings and approxi-
Metric bolt tensile strength property class is shown mate tensile strength.
on the head of the bolt as a number, such as 4.6, 8.8, 9.8,
and 10.9; the higher the number, the stronger the bolt. See NUTS
Figure 3-7.
Most nuts used on cap screws have the same hex size as the
cap screw head. Some inexpensive nuts use a hex size larger

SAE Bolt Designations

Tensile
SAE Grade No. Size range strength, PSI Material Head marking
1 1/4 through 1-1/2 60,000 Low or medium carbon steel

2 1/4 through 3/4 74,000

7/8 through 1-1/2 60,000

5 1/4 through 1 120,000 Medium carbon steel,

1-1/8 through 1-1/2 105,000 quenched & tempered

5.2 1/4 through 1 120,000 Low carbon martensite steel*,

quenched & tempered

7 1/4 through 1-1/2 133,000 Medium carbon alloy steel,

quenched & tempered

8 1/4 through 1-1/2 150,000 Medium carbon alloy steel,

quenched & tempered

8.2 1/4 through 1 150,000 Low carbon martensite steel*,

quenched & tempered

*Martensite steel is steel that has been cooled rapidly, thereby increasing its hardness. It is named after a German metallurgist, Adolf Martens.

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32 CHAPTER 3

than the cap screw head. Metric nuts are often marked with
dimples to show their strength. More dimples indicate stronger NOTE: Most of these locking nuts are grouped together and are
nuts. Some nuts and cap screws use interference fit threads to commonly referred to as prevailing torque nuts. This means that
keep them from accidentally loosening. This means that the the nut will hold its tightness or torque and not loosen with movement or
shape of the nut is slightly distorted or that a section of the vibration. Most prevailing torque nuts should be replaced whenever
threads is deformed. Nuts can also be kept from loosening removed to ensure that the nut will not loosen during service.Always follow
with a nylon washer fastened in the nut or with a nylon patch the manufacturers recommendations. Anaerobic sealers, such as Loctite,
are used on the threads where the nut or cap screw must be both locked and
or strip on the threads. See Figure 3-8.
sealed.

TAPS AND DIES

Taps and dies are used to cut threads. Taps are used to cut
threads in holes drilled to an exact size depending on the size
of the tap. A die is used to cut threads on round rods or studs.
Most taps and dies come as a complete set for the most com-
monly used fractional and metric threads.
FIGURE 3-8 Types of lock nuts.On the left,a nylon ring;in the center,
a distorted shape; and on the right,a castle for use with a cotter key. Taps
There are two commonly used types of taps, including:
Tapered tap. This is the most commonly used tap and
is designed to cut threads by gradually enlarging the
Tech threaded hole.
Tip Bottoming tap. This tap has a flat bottom instead of a
tapered tip to allow it to cut threads to the bottom of
A 1/2-INCH WRENCH a drilled hole. See Figure 3-9.
DOES NOT FIT
All taps must be used in the proper size hole called a tap
A 1/2-INCH BOLT
drill size. This information is often stamped on the tap itself
or in a chart that is included with a tap and die tool set. See
A common mistake made by persons new to the auto-
Figure 3-10.
motive field is to think that the size of a bolt or nut is
the size of the head. The size of the bolt or nut (out-
side diameter of the threads) is usually smaller than Dies
the size of the wrench or socket that fits the head of
the bolt or nut. Examples are given in the following A die is a hardened steel round cutter with teeth on the inside
table: of the center hole. See Figure 3-11. A die is rotated using a die
handler over a rod to create threads.
Wrench Size Thread Size
7/16 in. 1/4 in.
1/2 in. 5/16 in.
9/16 in. 3/8 in.
TAP
5/8 in. 7/16 in.
3/4 in. 1/2 in.
10 mm 6 mm
12 mm or 13 mm* 8 mm
14 mm or 17 mm* 10 mm
*European (Systme International dUnits-SI) metric.

Hint: An open-end wrench can be used to gauge bolt sizes. A 3/8-in.

wrench will fit the threads of a 3/8-in. bolt. FIGURE 3-9 A typical bottoming tap used to create threads in holes
that are not open,but stop in a casting,such as an engine block.

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Fasteners and Thread Repair 33

T-HANDLE
TAP WRENCH

(a)

FIGURE 3-12a A T-handle is used to hold and rotate small taps.

HAND TAP WRENCH

(b)

FIGURE 3-10 Many taps, especially larger ones, have the tap drill FIGURE 3-12b A tap wrench is used to hold and drive larger taps.
size printed on the top.

DIE HANDLE
DIE

FIGURE 3-13 A die handle used to rotate a die while cutting threads
on a metal rod.

FIGURE 3-11 A die is used to cut threads on a metal rod. Die Usage. A die should be used on the specified diameter
rod for the size of the thread. Install the die securely into the
die handle. See Figure 3-13.
Lubricate the die and the rod and place the die onto the
Proper Use of Taps and Dies end of the rod to be threaded. Rotate the die handle one full
turn clockwise, then reverse the direction and rotate the die
Taps and dies are used to cut threads on roll stock in the case handle about a half turn counterclockwise to break the chip
of a die or in a hole for a tap. A small tap can be held using that was created. Repeat the process until the threaded por-
a T-handle but for larger taps a tap handle is needed to tion has been completed.
apply the needed force to cut threads. See Figures 3-12a and
3-12b.
THREAD PITCH GAUGE
Tap Usage. Be sure that the hole is the correct size for the
tap and start by inserting the tap straight into the hole. Lubri- A thread pitch gauge is a hand tool that has the outline of var-
cate the tap using tapping lubricant. Rotate the tap about one ious thread sizes machined on stamped blades. To determine
full turn clockwise, then reverse the direction of the tap one- the thread pitch size of a fastener, the technician matches the
half turn to break the chip that was created. Repeat the proce- thread of the thread pitch gauge to the threads of the fastener.
dure until the hole is completely threaded. See Figure 3-14.

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34 CHAPTER 3

SHEET METAL SCREWS

Sheet metal screws are fully threaded screws with a point for
use in sheet metal. Also called self-tapping screws, they are
used in many places on the vehicle, including fenders, trim,
and door panels. See Figure 3-16.
These screws are used in unthreaded holes and the
sharp threads cut threads as they are installed. This makes
for a quick and easy installation when installing new parts,
but the sheet metal screw can easily strip out the threads
when used on the same part over and over, so care is
needed.
FIGURE 3-14 A typical thread pitch gauge.
When reinstalling self-tapping screws, first turn the screw
lightly backwards until you feel the thread drop into the exist-
ing thread in the screw hole. Then, turn the screw in; if it
threads in easily, continue to tighten the screw. If the screw
seems to turn hard, stop and turn it backwards about another
Frequently half turn to locate the existing thread and try again. This tech-
Asked Question nique can help prevent stripped holes in sheet metal and plas-
tic parts.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE Sheet metal screws are sized according to their major
BETWEEN A TAP AND A thread diameter.
THREAD CHASER?
Diameter Diameter Nearest
A tap is a cutting tool and is designed to cut new Size Decimal (inch) Fraction (inch)
threads. A thread chaser has more rounded threads and
is designed to clean dirty threads without removing 0.11 7/64
metal. Therefore, when cleaning threads, it is best to 0.14 9/64
use a thread chaser rather than a tap to prevent the pos-
sibility of removing metal, which would affect the fit of 0.17 11/64
the bolt being installed. See Figure 3-15. 0 0.19 3/16
2 0.22 7/32
4 0.25 1/4

WASHERS
Washers are often used under cap screw heads and under
nuts. See Figure 3-17.
Plain flat washers are used to provide an even clamping
load around the fastener. Lock washers are added to prevent
accidental loosening. In some accessories, the washers are
locked onto the nut to provide easy assembly.

ROUND PAN FLAT OVAL HEXAGON TRUSS

FIGURE 3-15 A thread chaser is shown at the top compared to a tap

on the bottom. A thread chaser is used to clean threads without removing
metal. FIGURE 3-16 Sheet metal screws come with many head types.

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Fasteners and Thread Repair 35

and are used to attach parts without using a threaded fastener.

There are several different types of snap rings and most require
the use of a special pair of pliers, called snap-ring pliers, to
HEX JAM NYLON CASTLE ACORN release or install. The types of snap rings include:
NUT NUT LOCK NUT NUT NUT
Expanding (internal)
Contracting (external)
E-clip
C-clip
FLAT LOCK STAR STAR Holeless snap rings in both expanding and contracting styles
WASHER WASHER WASHER WASHER
See Figure 3-18.
FIGURE 3-17 Various types of nuts (top) and washers (bottom) serve
different purposes and all are used to secure bolts or cap screws.
Door Panel Clips
SNAP RINGS AND CLIPS Interior door panels and other trim pieces are usually held
in place with plastic clips. Due to the tapered and fluted
Snap Rings shape, these clips are often called Christmas tree clips. See
Figure 3-19.
Snap rings are not threaded fasteners, but instead attach with A special tool is often used to remove interior door panels
a springlike action. Snap rings are constructed of spring steel without causing any harm. See Figure 3-20.

EXPANDING EXPANDING E-CLIP CONTRACTING CONTRACTING C-CLIP

OR INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL

FIGURE 3-18 Some different types of snap rings.An internal snap ring fits inside of a housing or bore,into a groove.An external snap ring fits into a groove
on the outside of a shaft or axle.An E-clip fits into a groove in the outside of a shaft.A C-clip shown is used to retain a window regulator handle on its shaft.

FIGURE 3-20 Plastic or metal trim tools are available to help the
FIGURE 3-19 A typical door panel retaining clip. technician remove interior door panels and other trim without causing harm.

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36 CHAPTER 3

the shaft of the pop rivet, it causes the rivet to expand and
CAUTION: Use extreme care when removing panels that use plastic or tighten the two pieces together. When the shaft of the rivet,
nylon clips.It is very easy to damage the door panel or clip during removal. which looks like a nail, is pulled to its maximum, the shaft
breaks, causing a pop sound.
Rivets may be used in areas of the vehicle where a semi-
permanent attachment is needed and in places where there is
Pins no access to the back side of the workpiece. They are installed
using a rivet gun or by peening with a ball-peen hammer. See
Cotter pins, also called a cotter key, are used to keep linkage Figure 3-22.
or a threaded nut in place or to keep it retained. The word Both types of blind rivets require the use of a rivet gun to
cotter is an Old English verb meaning to close or fasten. install. The straight rivet is placed through the workpieces and
There are many other types of pins used in vehicles, including then peened over with a ball-peen hammer or an air-operated
clevis pins, roll pins, and hair pins. See Figure 3-21. tool. The plastic rivet is used with a rivet gun to install some
Pins are used to hold together shafts and linkages, such as body trim parts.
shift linkages and cable linkages. The clevis pin is held in place
with a cotter pin, while the taper and roll pins are driven in and
held by friction. The hair pin snaps into a groove on a shaft. Locking Nuts
Some nuts, called jam nuts, are used to keep bolts and screws
Rivets from loosening. Jam nuts screw on top of a regular nut and
jam against the regular nut to prevent loosening. A jam nut is
Rivets are used in many locations to retain components, such
so called because of its intended use, rather than a special de-
as window mechanisms, that do not require routine removal
sign. Some jam nuts are thinner than a standard nut. Jam nuts
and/or do not have access to the back side for a nut. A drill is
are also called pal nuts. See Figure 3-23.
usually used to remove a rivet and a rivet gun is needed to
properly install a rivet. Some rivets are plastic and are used to
BLIND (POP) STRAIGHT PLASTIC HIGH-STRENGTH
hold some body trim pieces. The most common type of rivet BLIND
is called a pop rivet because as the rivet tool applies a force to

CLEVIS TAPER ROLL HAIR PIN COTTER

FIGURE 3-21 Pins come in various types. FIGURE 3-22 Various types of rivets.

HEXAGON 12 POINT SQUARE SELF-LOCKING PAL

FIGURE 3-23 All of the nuts shown are used

by themselves except for the pal nut, which is used to
lock another nut to a threaded fastener so they will not
be loosened by vibration. SELF-THREADING CAGE CASTLE WING CAP

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Fasteners and Thread Repair 37

There are also self-locking nuts of various types. Some HOW TO AVOID BROKEN
have threads that are bent inward to grip the threads of the
bolt. Some are oval-shaped at one end to fit tightly on a bolt.
FASTENERS
Fiber lock nuts have a fiber insert near the top of the nut or
Try not to break, strip, or round off fasteners in the first
inside it; this type of nut is also made with a plastic or nylon
place. There are several ways that you can minimize the
insert. When the bolt turns through the nut, it cuts threads in
number of fasteners you damage. First, never force fasteners
the fiber or plastic. This puts a drag on the threads that pre-
loose during disassembly. Taking a few precautionary steps
vents the bolt from loosening.
will often prevent damage. If a bolt or nut will not come
One of the oldest types of retaining nuts is the castle nut.
loose with normal force, try tightening it in slightly and then
It looks like a small castle, with slots for a cotter pin. A castel-
backing it out. Sometimes turning the fastener the other
lated nut is used on a bolt that has a hole for the cotter pin.
way will break corrosion loose, and the fastener will then
See Figure 3-24.
come out easily. Another method that works well is to rest
Flat washers are placed underneath a nut to spread
a punch on the head of a stubborn bolt and strike it a sharp
the load over a wide area and prevent gouging of the
blow with a hammer. Often this method will break the cor-
material. However, flat washers do not prevent a nut from
rosion loose.
loosening.
Lock washers are designed to prevent a nut from loosen-
ing. Spring-type lock washers resemble a loop out of a coil Left-Handed Threads
spring. As the nut or bolt is tightened, the washer is com-
pressed. The tension of the compressed washer holds the fas- Although rare, left-handed fasteners are occasionally found on
tener firmly against the threads to prevent it from loosening. engine assemblies. These fasteners will loosen when you turn
Lock washers should not be used on soft metal such as alu- them clockwise, and tighten when you turn them counter-
minum. The sharp ends of the steel washers would gouge clockwise. Left-handed fasteners are used to fasten parts to the
the aluminum badly, especially if they are removed and re- ends of rotating assemblies that turn counterclockwise, such
placed often. as crankshafts and camshafts. Most automobile engines do not
Another type of locking washer is the star washer. The use left-handed threads; however, they will be found on many
teeth on a star washer can be external or internal, and they older motorcycle engines. Some left-handed fasteners are
bite into the metal because they are twisted to expose their marked for easy identification, others are not. Left-handed
edges. Star washers are used often on sheet metal or body threads are also found inside some transaxles.
parts. They are seldom used on engines. The spring steel lock
washer also uses the tension of the compressed washer to
prevent the fastener from loosening. The waves in this washer
Penetrating Oil
make it look like a distorted flat washer.
Penetrating oil is a lightweight lubricant similar to kerosene,
which soaks into small crevices in the threads, called
capillary action. The chemical action of penetrating oils
helps to break up and dissolve rust and corrosion. The oil
forms a layer of boundary lubrication on the threads to reduce
friction and make the fastener easier to turn.
For best results, allow the oil time to soak in before re-
moving the nuts and bolts. To increase the effectiveness of
penetrating oil, tap on the bolt head or nut with a hammer, or
alternately work the fastener back and forth with a wrench.
This movement weakens the bond of the corrosion and lets
more of the lubricant work down into the threads.
CASTLELLATED
NUT
Proper Tightening
HOLE IN
THREADED Proper tightening of bolts and nuts is critical for proper clamp-
STUD ing force, as well as to prevent breakage. All fasteners should
COTTER
be tightened using a torque wrench. A torque wrench allows
PIN the technician to exert a known amount of torque to the fas-
teners. However, rotating torque on a fastener does not mean
FIGURE 3-24 A castellated nut is locked in place with a cotter pin. clamping force because up to 80% of the torque used to rotate

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38 CHAPTER 3

a bolt or nut is absorbed by friction by the threads. Therefore, The insert stays in the casting as a permanent repair and
for accurate tightening, two things must be performed: bolts can be removed and replaced without disturbing the in-
sert. One advantage of a helical insert is that the original bolt
The threads must be clean and lubricated if service infor-
can be used because the internal threads are the same size.
mation specifies that they be lubricated.
When correctly installed, an insert is often stronger than the
Always use a torque wrench to not only ensure proper original threads, especially in aluminum castings. Some vehi-
clamping force, but also to ensure that all fasteners are cle manufacturers such as BMW specify that the threads be
tightened the same. renewed using an insert if the cylinder head has to be removed
and reinstalled. Plus many high-performance engine re-
THREAD REPAIR INSERTS builders install inserts in blocks, manifolds, and cylinder heads
as a precaution.
Thread repair inserts are used to replace the original threaded One of the best known of the helical fasteners is the
hole when it has become damaged beyond use. The original Helicoil, manufactured by Helicoil Products. To install
threaded hole is enlarged and a threaded insert is installed to Helicoil inserts, you will need to have a thread repair kit. The
restore the threads to the original size. kit includes a drill bit, tap, installation mandrel, and inserts.
Repair kits are available for a wide variety of diameters and
pitch to fit both American Standard and metric threads. A sim-
Helical Inserts ple kit contains the tooling for one specific thread size. Master
kits that cover a range of sizes are also available. Installing an
A helical insert looks like a small, stainless-steel spring. See insert is similar to tapping new threads. A summary of the pro-
Figure 3-25. cedures includes:
To install a helical insert, a hole must be drilled to a spec-
ified oversize, and then it is tapped with a special tap designed 1. Select the Helicoil kit designed for the specific diam-
for the thread inserts. The insert is then screwed into the hole. eter and thread pitch of the hole to be repaired. See
See Figure 3-26. Figure 3-27.
2. Use the drill bit supplied with the kit. The drill size is also
specified on the Helicoil tap, to open up the hole to the
necessary diameter and depth.
3. Tap the hole with the Helicoil tap, being sure to lubri-
cate the tap. Turn it in slowly and rotate counterclock-
wise occasionally to break the chip that is formed.
4. Thread an insert onto the installation mandrel until it seats
firmly. Apply a light coating of the recommended thread
locking compound to the external threads of the insert.
5. Use the mandrel to screw the insert into the tapped hole.
Once started, spring tension prevents the insert from
FIGURE 3-25 Helical inserts look like small, coiled springs.The out-
side is a thread to hold the coil in the hole, and the inside is threaded to fit the
desired fastener.

FIGURE 3-26 The insert provides new, stock-size threads inside an FIGURE 3-27 Helicoil kits, available in a wide variety of sizes,
oversize hole so that the original fastener can be used. contain everything needed to repair a damaged hole back to its original size.

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Fasteners and Thread Repair 39

unscrewing. Stop when the top of the insert is 1/4 to

1/2 turn below the surface.
6. Remove the mandrel by unscrewing it from the insert, and
then use a small punch or needle-nose pliers to break off
the tang at the base of the insert. Never leave the tang in
the bore. The finished thread is ready for use immediately.

Threaded Inserts
Threaded inserts are tubular, case-hardened, solid steel wall FIGURE 3-28 This solid-bushing insert is threaded on the outside,
pieces that are threaded inside and outside. The inner thread to grip the workpiece.The inner threads match the desired bolt size.
of the insert is sized to fit the original fastener of the hole to be
repaired. The outer thread design will vary. These may be self-
tapping threads that are installed in a blank hole, or machine
threads that require the hole to be tapped. Threaded inserts re-
turn a damaged hole to original size by replacing part of the
surrounding casting so drilling is required. Most inserts fit into
three categories:

Self-tapping
Solid-bushing
Key-locking

Self-Tapping Inserts
The external threads of a self-tapping insert are designed to cut
their own way into a casting. This eliminates the need of run-
ning a tap down the hole. To install a typical self-tapping in-
sert, follow this procedure:
1. Drill out the damaged threads to open the hole to the
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
proper size, using the specified size drill bit.
2. Select the proper insert and mandrel. As with Helicoils, the FIGURE 3-29 A Timesert kit includes the drill (a),the recess cutter
drill bit, inserts, and mandrel are usually available as a kit. (b),a special tap (c),the installer (d),and the Timesert threaded bushing (e).
3. Thread the insert onto the mandrel. Use a tap handle or
wrench to drive the insert into the hole. Because the in-
sert will cut its own path into the hole, it may require a To install threaded inserts, follow this procedure:
considerable amount of force to drive the insert in.
1. Drill out the damaged threads to open the hole to the
4. Thread the insert in until the nut or flange at the bottom
proper size. The drill bit supplied with the kit must be
of the mandrel touches the surface of the workpiece.
the one used because it is properly sized to the tap. See
This is the depth stop to indicate the insert is seated.
Figure 3-30.
5. Hold the nut or flange with a wrench, and turn the mandrel
2. Cut the recess in the top of the hole with the special tool,
out of the insert. The threads are ready for immediate use.
then clean the hole with a brush or compressed air.
3. Use the previously detailed tapping procedures to
Solid-Bushing Inserts thread the hole. See Figure 3-31. Be sure to tap deep
enough; the top of the insert must be flush with the cast-
The external threads of solid-bushing inserts are ground to a ing surface.
specific thread pitch, so you will have to run a tap into the 4. Thread the insert onto the installation driver, using the
hole. See Figure 3-28. driver to screw the insert into the hole. Some inserts
Some inserts use a machine thread so a standard tap can require that a thread-locking compound be applied; oth-
be used; others have a unique thread and you have to use a ers go in dry.
special tap. The thread inserts come with a matching installa- 5. Remove the installation driver, and the new threads are
tion kit. See Figure 3-29. ready for service with the original fastener.

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40 CHAPTER 3

Key-Locking Inserts
Key-locking inserts are similar to solid-bushing inserts, but are
held in place by small keys. After the insert has been installed,
the keys are driven into placeperpendicular to the threads
to keep the insert from turning out. A typical installation pro-
cedure includes the following steps:
1. Drill out the damaged thread with the specified drill size.
2. Tap the drilled hole with the specified tap.
3. After putting thread-locking compound on the insert, use
the mandrel to screw the insert into the tapped hole until
it is slightly below the surface. See Figure 3-32. The keys
act as a depth stop and prevent the insert from turning.
4. Drive the keys down using the driver supplied with the
insert kit. Be sure the keys are flush with the top of the
FIGURE 3-30 Drill out the damaged threads with the correct bit. insert. See Figures 3-33 and 3-34.

FIGURE 3-33 Use the driver to drive the keys down flush with the
FIGURE 3-31 Use a special tap for the insert. surface of the workpiece.

FIGURE 3-34 The insert and insert locks should be below the surface
FIGURE 3-32 Put some thread-locking compound on the insert. of the workpiece.

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Fasteners and Thread Repair 41

Summary
1. The most common type of fastener is a threaded one of- 4. Graded bolts are hardened and are capable of providing
ten referred to as a bolt. A nut or thread hole is used at more holding force than nongraded bolts.
the end of a bolt to fasten two parts together. 5. Many nuts are capable of remaining attached to the bolt
2. The size of threaded fasteners includes the diameter, regardless of vibration. These types of nuts are often
length, and pitch of the threads, as well as the shape of called prevailing torque nuts.
the head of the bolt. 6. Other commonly used fasteners in the automotive ser-
3. Metric bolts are labeled with an M, and the diameter vice industry include sheet metal screws, snap rings and
across the threads is in millimeters followed by the dis- clips, door panel clips, cotter pins, and rivets.
tance between the threads measured in millimeters, such 7. Threads can be repaired using a Helicoil or threaded
as M8 1.5. insert.

Review Questions
1. What is the difference between a bolt and a stud? 4. How do prevailing torque nuts work?
2. How is the size of a metric bolt expressed? 5. How are threaded inserts installed?
3. What is meant by the grade of a threaded fastener?

Chapter Quiz
1. The thread pitch of a bolt is measured in what units? 4. Which of the following is a metric bolt?
a. Millimeters a. 5/16 18
b. Threads per inch b. 1/2 20
c. Fractions of an inch c. M12 1.5
d. Both a and b can be correct d. 8 mm
2. Technician A says that the diameter of a bolt is the same as the 5. A bolt that is threaded into a casting is often called a ____.
wrench size used to remove or install the fastener. Technician a. Stud
B says that the length is measured from the top of the head of
b. Cap screw
the bolt to the end of the bolt. Which technician is correct?
c. Block bolt
a. Technician A only
d. Crest bolt
b. Technician B only
c. Both Technicians A and B 6. The marks (lines) on the heads of bolts indicate ____.
d. Neither Technician A nor B a. Size
b. Grade
3. The grade of a fastener, such as a bolt, is a measure of its ____.
c. Tensile strength
a. Tensile strength
d. Both b and c
b. Hardness
c. Finish
d. Color

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42 CHAPTER 3

7. A bolt that requires a 1/2-inch wrench to rotate is usually what 9. All of the following are types of clips except _____.
size when measured across the threads? a. E-clip
a. 1/2 inch b. Cotter
b. 5/16 inch c. C-clip
c. 3/8 inch d. Internal
d. 7/16 inch
10. What type of fastener is commonly used to retain interior door
8. A screw that can make its own threads when installed is called panels?
a _____ screw. a. Christmas tree clips
a. Sheet metal b. E-clips
b. Tapered c. External clips
c. Self-tapping d. Internal clips
d. Blunt-end

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