Hey guys just thought i would ask some opinions of Helicoiling.

Have just stripped the caliper retaining bolts on the hub of my Pug. Is Helicoil an option?

Thanks for any help you can give

Rupert

Yes, works great. Me and my brother did his Xantia rear calipers, all 4 caliper mounting bolts snapped when he tried to undo 'em due to corrosion

Drilled 'em out and used a "helicoil" kit, perfect repair.

He still has the kit and inserts, M9 I think, if you need the same size U2U me

thanks for the fast reply! These are M12s!

Do you get the drill bit in the kit too do you know?

Rupert

Helicoil inserts are a perfectly good engineering solution
When I was an apprentice we used them on new light alloy castings where the bolts were subjected to dismantling in service. So if its good enough for RR on an aircraft engine it should be OK for a Locost.
The problem as always is the standard to which the work is carried out.
If the hole is drilled out to the correct size, the bore is true and not tapered. Then you use the correct tap, with a proper tap stock, taking care to ensure the threads start correctly and are true to the drilled hole, then its a god remedial repair.

The one we used wasn't an official "Helicoil" I think it's called "Vsert" or something. Anyway, yes, in the kit you get the tool, inserts and drill bit

[Edited on 24/4/08 by UncleFista]

thanks guys. Helicoil it is then

The main rotor head on a Lynx helicopter is held on with just 16 bolts which all screw in to helicoil inserts... so if they are good enough to lift near enough the entire weight of a helicopter I think you will find they are up to the job!

In the days of pre-helicoil (up here in sunny Yorkshire!), it was perfectly acceptable to make your own repair to threads. Drill the damaged thread to a larger size, screw in a suitably sized bolt with a blob of loctite, cut it off flush, centre-pop the edges of the 'insert' to make sure it won't budge and then drill and tap to the correct original size.
Job done!

None of my Helicoil kits came with a drill bit always had to buy one

Yep, what oldfogey and owelly said (noo mate!)!

thanks again guys. We are going to take the hub to shop rather than buy a kit.

Like you say you wanna make sure it is drilled out straight!!