Grease zerk problem

Toyboy · Nov 1, 2012

I was getting my snow blower ready to be mounted on my tractor. So I get the grease gun to grease the auger shaft and had an "Oh crap" moment. The zerk was stuck in the grease nozzle not screwed into the auger after I greased it. Tried to screw it back in...no go...stripped! Rats! So I kicked around the different options I had (I was not going to tear this apart for a grease zerk) and finally decided to degrease the zerk and threads in auger shaft and use JB Weld on it. I've heard about that stuff but have never used it before. Do you guys think this fix will hold up or will the zerk pull out the next time I go to grease it? If I ever have to tear it down for bearing or such, I'll drill & tap for a new zerk then.
The blower is a 50" two stage for the BX 2230 Kubota.

Harry in Ky · Nov 1, 2012

Personal opinion: JB Weld or any such product will be a waste of time in this case. You didn't mention the size, style or thread size of the problem fitting, so it's hard to advise on a practical solution, even more so without knowing what the access to the damaged hole might be. The thickness of stock the threads are cut into also comes into play. If you can get by with a straight fitting and can get to it, you might try a drive in zirk. I've used them frequently with good success. They come in various sizes, I use 1/4 " mostly, but larger ones are available. If the original is 1/4-28, the drive in will probably fit right in without drilling. They are made to fit in a 1/4" hole. and have barbs to fit snug and not pull out.

Toyboy · Nov 1, 2012

Thanks for the info, I never gave a drive in one any consideration. Forgot all about them. I'll have to check the thread diameter to get an idea what I may need. If the one I installed today comes out, I'll have one ready to try your suggestion.