Repair Plastic Treads

[MJ]

I have stripped the threads in various plastic parts by screwing metal screws in and out several times. Is there a good way to repair the damage without completely replacing the plastic parts? Thanks.

[t3racer]

NO...UNLESS YOU WANT TO GLUE THE PARTS IN.

[$-Maxx]

You could change to a self threading screw, maybe. Or try using Epoxy. Either fill the hole then re drill. Or put in the hole then put the screw in.

[Grant Tokumi]

I have used self-tapping screws when the plastic thread stripped out.

When the plastic strips, I try to solve the following ways:

1 - The best solution is to see if you can somehow put a nut on the other end of the screw to hold the part down. Put in a longer screw and/or drill the hole deeper until it protrudes out the other side, etc.

2- If something prevents you from putting a nut on the other end (like an obstruction), then a self-tapping screw is my next choice. Tamiya self-tapping screws are a decent replacement for the standard 4-40 machine screws. The Tamiya screws are slightly larger, but they can go in with some muscles. Or hardware store sells various self-tapping screws too.

3- Throw your arms in the air and resort to buying a new part. If the thing stripped out of just normal wear and tear, then buy couple of those replacement parts.

I don't know why, but it seems to me that American companies like Losi, Associated, and HPI choose to use machine screws when tapping into plastic. And thats why they strip out so easily. They should be using self-tapping screws instead when screwing into plastic parts.

By chance, if your stripped part is on a RC10GT, then say what part, and I may be able to give a more specific solution.


[This message has been edited by Grant Tokumi (edited 01-23-2001).]

[mexican_speed]

You can also try using a slightly larger self-tapping screw. This way, you don't need to replace any more parts for a short while until it wears out again.

[rvrrun]

Depending on the thickness of the material that is stripped, a heli-coil might work and would prevent it from stripping again.

This solution might also be more expensive than a new part.

MS

[Conman]

1.Fill hole with epoxy
2.Drill new hole slightly smaller than oridginal.
3.Re Tap hole to correct size.

[GTman]

Conman has got it. that trick works every time and it may even make the part better than new!