Found a shortcut for chasing stubborn BB threads

I had this old Cannondale frame where the bottom bracket threads were totally gummed up with old locktite. Instead of buying a tap set I just used a flathead screwdriver and some brake cleaner to pick the gunk out before running the chaser through. Saved me 40 bucks and the threads cleaned up perfect. Has anyone else found a cheap workaround for thread cleanup?

2 comments

2 Comments

wesley87319d ago

Instead of buying a tap set" yeah that's the move right there. I had a similar situation with an old Schwinn that had crusty locktite in the threads, and I used a dental pick from the hardware store and some parts cleaner to get the big chunks out before running my chaser through. Cost me like three bucks and the threads came out perfect, no need for a whole tap set.

jason_fisher419d ago

That dental pick trick is genius, @wesley873. I spent like 45 minutes with a cheap tap set on a seized bolt once and still ended up with half the threads mangled. For three bucks and some elbow grease you saved yourself a headache. Those old Schwinn frames are notorious for locking up tight, but yours came out clean. I bet the previous owner used half a tube of that red loctite on it. Good call on the parts cleaner too, that stuff cuts through anything.