Can't get the grease gun off the grease fitting..am I retarded?

[Sniggle]

Well, I tried to extract the broken fitting and no luck...extractor broke off in the hole.

So it looks like I will be needing a new loader pin. Since I just greased it I figure I can use the loader the next day or so, and then I will extract it (hopefully it is as easy as saying it) and get a replacement. I may have one more chance to save the pin once I get it out, but doubtful. Lesson learned.

I did pick up a new tip for the grease gun...hopefully it will not have the saem problem.

 

[john_bud]

DON'T just remove the pin !

It will make putting the new one in harder. With the new one in hand, use it to push out the old one. You may want to put some copper washers between the two.

Don't hammer - manipulate the loader to get the pressure off.

It's easy to just "use a bigger hammer", but that can result in needing to replace the bushings in the loader.

jb

 

[Eagleview]

Thats exactly what happens with tappered extractors in objects with thin walls . They expand the object and make it tighter in the hole , thats why i use the chainsaw file end . If you can chisel the broken piece of extractor out , simply drill the old zerk out and tap the hole out to 1/4 gas and install a bigger zerk . Dont spend good money on a new pin because of a broken grease nipple .

 

[Eagleview]

Sorry , typo , should read 1/8 gas .

 

[canoetrpr]

We are both in the same boat my friend. I can't honestly say if there is still a piece of the old zerk in there. If not, I've definately messed up the threads by fishing around with the extractor and chainsaw file.

I suppose I can try to do what Iron Horse says. I imagine I can buy bits somewhere that will re-thread an enlarged hole? A new pin for mine is about 20 bucks. I still have the last pin that I broke a zerk off lying around I imagine this won't be the last of these zerks I break. Maybe it is worth me picking up whatever thingy I need to rethead a larger hole and a one of those boxes or assorted zerks.

Iron Horse - what is 1/8 gas? Explain to me like you would to a small child as I am not particularly handy.

 

[brandoro]

Pretty sure what he means by "1/8 gas" is 1/8" NPT--Pipe Thread-which is a tapered thread commonly used on piping for air, oil, water and electrical conduits. Also for grease nipples.
Try the site below--

NPT- National Pipe Thread Taper- ANSI B1.20.1

 

[canoetrpr]

I am guessing then that I must be able to get a 1/8 gas drill bit then - that will drill a hole of the appropriate size and also potentially thread it?

 

[EdC]

canoetrpr

Before you drill the old zerk out get the replacement zerk and then drill the hole accordingly. For instance a 3/8 thread on the replacement zerk requires about a 5/16 drill. Then use a plug tap to start and go almost all the way to the bottom of the hole. Clean out any cuttings and use a bottoming tap if the hole is blind. Use cutting oil to keep the chips moving away from the hole.

If you want to stay with the same size zerk you could look into installing a helicoil. Most big auto parts places carry them.

 

[canoetrpr]

Gentlemen - thanks for all the help so far. Ok.. I've located a source of taps and tap wrenches at the local Princess Auto store. They also carry a box of assorted zerk sizes which I will purchase. I have no problem drilling a bigger hole here so I won't need a helicoil.

My question is, once I have a replacement zerk picked - which I will pick to be larger than my existing hole, how do I tell what size drill bit and what size tap I will need?

All said and done, a tap wrench, box of replacement zerks, taps, cutting oil, etc. is probably going to cost me way more than a new pin but I'm sure I will have other uses for them . I think I also found a used drill press in the local classifieds.

 

[EdC]

canoetrpr

It depends on what size the replacement zerk is and the number of threads per inch. For this application (lotta pressure thru those little zerk) use a 75% thread. Here is an online calculator that seems to work. Tap Drill Size Calculator -- Technical Notes
Use the national thread formula. Also a lot of stores like the autoshops have a paper cross reference chart that gives everything you need on one page.