Curt Wedge - Cross Threaded

[GaryS57]

Hey Guys/Gals,

Getting around today to install my Curt A-16 Wedge so I could use my 90 degree turn pin and one of the bolts would not go in. After taking off the wedge and trying both bolts in the other hole and finding that they both go in just fine I took a closer look at the threads of that hole and they are indeed cross threaded.

So what are my options to correct that issue?

Thanks.

[powerscol]

Get a correct size tap and clean the threads up - or find a grade 8 self tapping bolt of the correct size and do it that way. As your unit is still in warranty, check with your dealer and see if you can swing by and let them fix it - probably 10 minute job. Worst case you may need to find a slightly larger bolt = possibly metric if you need to fully cut new threads.

If you not familiar with cutting threads you go a bit, back out and clean, lube, go back and cut a bit, back out clean, lube - repeat.

Hope this helps

[GaryS57]

I think the Dealer route is the best for me. I was trying to install the wedge for the first time and that bolt would not go in - of course they will think I stripped it but we’ll see. Thanks

[powerscol]

I had one more thought. If you have a good chisel , or small flat screw driver (hard metal) that fits in the threads, you may be able to chase the threads back open. I am assuming its just the few ones at the entrance to the hole.

[GaryS57]

It is just the threads at the beginning, I might try that. It may be a 10 minute job at the dealer but I can guarantee it would be a week getting them to get around to it.

I checked on the grade 8 bolt and nothing local to me so I would have to order it so I don't want to go that route either.

Thanks.

[Calbar]

Hey Guys/Gals,

Getting around today to install my Curt A-16 Wedge so I could use my 90 degree turn pin and one of the bolts would not go in. After taking off the wedge and trying both bolts in the other hole and finding that they both go in just fine I took a closer look at the threads of that hole and they are indeed cross threaded.

So what are my options to correct that issue?

Thanks.

Not familiar with this so I might be totally off base because you may not we able to get to the back of the threads or it may be a blind hole but if you have access, thread a shorter screw in from the back and as it goes through the first few threads at the end it will clean them up. Use some light oil/motor oil even to lubricate as you are threading in from the back.

Rob

[GaryS57]

Yes, that would be an easy fix but no way to get on the other side of the hole.

But thanks for the input.

[powerscol]

Not familiar with this so I might be totally off base because you may not we able to get to the back of the threads or it may be a blind hole but if you have access, thread a shorter screw in from the back and as it goes through the first few threads at the end it will clean them up. Use some light oil/motor oil even to lubricate as you are threading in from the back.

Rob

Rob What a great tip. While it wont work here it will be good to remember it where it would work later. I tend to mess up threads a lot. Its why I have a full tap and die set along with a selection of grade 8 self tapping bolts. Lots of rusty farm equipment where bolts tend to run off to find a nut somewhere

Be safe and healthy
Keith