Bolt question

[Flying Orca]

Hi all, poking my nose above the Bilge for a quick question. :D

The bilge keels on my build are fastened with epoxy (yeah yeah) and reinforced by four bolts (1/4" SS threaded rod, washers and nuts at each end) through the hull. On the inside, there are 1/2" plywood pads between the hull and the washers and nuts.

I took the pads (and thus the washers and nuts) off to glass and paint the interior. I had previously cut the threaded rod (with a hacksaw if I recall correctly, but it was a while ago) to about the right length.

I'm having trouble getting the nuts back on; part of this might be because there is still some paint on the bolts :o, but the hacksaw probably damaged the threads to some degree, too. I kind of figured that removing the nuts after cutting the rod would fix that (to the degree that it was necessary), but... apparently not.

My questions:

1) Should I remove the paint, and if so, how? Wire brush?

2) Do I need to chase the threads with a die (if I have the terminology correct)? If I do, can I skip removing the paint first? Any suggestions for aligning the die and the bolt?

(P.S. I'd be figuring this out with Dad, but he's off deer-hunting for a few hours, and I can't find the 1/4" die, so I'm killing a bit of time asking for your general and collective wisdom. :))

[Jim Ledger]

A die will clean up threads and remove any paint and gunk at the same time. Due to space restrictions in the bilge, you might not be able to use the die holder. If so, some imagination might be called for. You might be able to get the die started by hand and then use a vise grip to turn it, being careful not to cross thread. Go slow and use a lot of "feel".

Good luck.

[Bob Cleek]

Just touching up the "starting" edge of the threads with a thread file ("needle file") or milling a bit of a bevel all around the end of the bolt (don't overdo it) may be all that's needed to get the bolt started. Otherwise, what Jim said.

[Todd D]

When you cut the rod with the hack saw you left a sharp edge on the first thread. Backing the not off will straighten that out a bit, but you still have to get the nut aligned just right to get it back on. What I would suggest is to grind a bevel on the end of the rod. I normally do that by cutting threaded rod on my lathe then turning the bevel onto the end. However, you can also do it with your dremel tool, an abrasive disk in your drill or an angle grinder.

[Garret]

However, you can also do it with your dremel tool, an abrasive disk in your drill or an angle grinder.

It took me 3 reads to realize that those are all power tools (no one ever accused me of being too smart). I knew something was missing...

A file works pretty well too.

[Flying Orca]

Thanks guys, I'll give those ideas a whirl. Er, a spin. Well, maybe a reciprocating motion, you never know. Cheers!

[Chip-skiff]

After cutting off the thread of a bolt, etc., a light, even pass around the end with a mill file (angled at about 60°) is usually good to remove any burrs and allow a nut to go on smoothly.

[wardd]

go to home depot and get a die nut

[Flying Orca]

Turns out a die and handle (sold separately) were about the same price as a whole set. In for a penny. Worked like a charm, BTW; for what it's worth, I ended up beveling the ends with a disc on the flexible-shaft machine, then using the die to clean up the threads. Thanks again for the advice!