Blade Change Fail

[JDGreenGrass]

I have a Craftsmen rideing mower with a 42" deck. While removing the blades one of the bolts came out hard....real hard. The bolt must have gone in cross threaded.?? Anyways, I did get the bolt out but both, the bolt and the threads on the mower are stripped.?? !@#$%$#@!!!!!!

I have never "tapped" anything. Is it possible to tap the stripped threads and buy a new bolt to replace the old.??

 

[randy41]

is the blade attached to a spindle? couldn't you just replace the spindle?

 

[wendallb]

You might try a heli-coil kit to replace the threads.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

You might try a heli-coil kit to replace the threads.

What is a heli-coil kit.?? And, where do I purchase if that's what I need.??

Randy.....Is the spindle the shaft that the belt's "fly-wheel" is attached to.?? If so, I think that part is held in place with 4 bolts.

I'm beginning to think the whole deck will have to come off.

I'll do about anything to NOT have to deal with Sears.

 

[Specop_007]

I'd start by trying to rethread the existing hole. Barring that, drill it out to the next size up and tap it out there.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

I'd start by trying to rethread the existing hole. Barring that, drill it out to the next size up and tap it out there.

Right. This is what I want to do.

Thing is, I don't have the tools. Will a local hardware store have what I need.?? If not, where to purchase.??

It's a tap set that I need, correct.??

 

[randy41]

the spindle attaches to the belt and has 4 bolts holding it to the deck. this is the more expensive fix, so if you are looking to save money try the other suggestions first.

 

[wendallb]

A heli-coil kit is a kit that you can get at most auto parts stores and comes with a drill bit and a tap and steel coil so you can replace the threads..

 

[sld]

Your best bet is to take the spindle off and see what would be the best option.

You are not going to drill / tap or helicoil it very easy with it still attached.

If there is a lot of hours on it you might at least price a spindle but the helicoil would probably cheapest and easiest.

Just make sure you do it right. You don't want a blade coming off while under power. If you don't think you can do the correct fix, get a new spindle.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

All great advice. Thanks.

I fixed the problem by taking the spindle off the deck and then tapped new threads into the shaft of the spindle. It went quite well once I figured out ya gotta put a little muscle into it. Getting the spindle off was simple enough with just 4 bolts. The thing with the spindle is you got to have a wrench on both ends. The Craftsmen provided ample working space. Simple.

Hey, I mowed the lawn tonight. Lawn looks great with 2 new blades on the mower. Not to mention the new threads.!!:thumbsup:

As to how did that bolt get twisted??.... I know when I changed that balde last Spring that bolt went in fine....I think I know what happened. I hit a big rock. Probably several. This is my 3rd year here and the yard has settled. I have had a lot of 3 inch rock pocking through the lawn. The good news is, I got a John Deere to cover up that little problem.

Let the fun begin.!!