Stripped threads

[Maine_Polack]

I have a grease fitting "hole" that is stripped out. I can push the zerk in and out the hole easily.

I do not want to take the thing apart, or I would and tap for the larger zerk.

Can purchase a thread insert, but also have to get kit, $25,...Naw.

Any ideas/tips would be appreciated

 

[Dusty]

I have found some barbed grease fittings at the auto parts store. Finding one that is the proper size that will fit into the hole and be snug enough to work, will be the hard part.
Dusty

 

[rback33]

I have a grease fitting "hole" that is stripped out. I can push the zerk in and out the hole easily.

I do not want to take the thing apart, or I would and tap for the larger zerk.

Can purchase a thread insert, but also have to get kit, $25,...Naw.

Any ideas/tips would be appreciated

They sell self-tapping zerks. We use them on our loaders for that reason. They work very well when you find the correct size. Might be the same/similar to Dusty's recommendation.

 

[Maine_Polack]

Thanks for the info! I did call a couple of local Auto part stores before I posted my question. They did not have a clue.

Went to the big city, (Bangor), today, and ran into the same thing. I will keep hunting.

It sure is nice to be able to tap such a vast knowledge base, as found on this site. I truly appreciate all the input

 

[Dusty]

Check the diameter of the hole using a drill bit and post it. I will check my supply and also in town. If I can find one, I will put it into the mail to you. Just let me know what size.
Dusty

 

[Maine_Polack]

Very nice of you to do that. Will check the size tomorrow. Dark now.

 

[Dusty]

Send me a PM to remind me. I might not see the post.
Dusty

 

[Dave01]

I believe you can get zerk fittings with metric thread. Might be able to use a slightly larger metric. If you try this don't try to tap it or anything, just turn it in and leave it.

 

[silverdollar6]

I had a zerk that would not take grease, I took the zerk out and cleaned it out and grease went through it until I put it back in the part, then it would not take grease again, what now?

 

[Dusty]

If it is not the Zerk fitting, then it has to be what the grease is going into that is blocked. If you can take it apart easily, that would be the best way. If not, can you put some heat to it to possibly soften up the old grease. Most grease will start to run at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, so it won't take too much warmth. If it is a roller or ball bearing, then it would be best to take it apart, clean, and reinstall. Mixing grease types can often cause a chemical reaction that will harden the grease to a gum consistency. When this happens, cleaning or heat is the only method to repair this. If you get it warm enough, then grease it until new grease pushes out all the old, you will have resolved the problem.
Dusty

 

[JerryG]

I have a grease fitting "hole" that is stripped out. I can push the zerk in and out the hole easily.

I do not want to take the thing apart, or I would and tap for the larger zerk.

Can purchase a thread insert, but also have to get kit, $25,...Naw.

Any ideas/tips would be appreciated

You can take a ball pien hammer and tap the hole with the ball end lightly. This will bur the threads just enough to hold the zerk when it is screwed back in. It doesn't always work, but does a large part of the time.

 

[JerryG]

I had a zerk that would not take grease, I took the zerk out and cleaned it out and grease went through it until I put it back in the part, then it would not take grease again, what now?

If the Zerk is to grease a shaft, the shaft can be against the Zerk opening preventing grease from going in. On a loader for example, the loader can be moved around or some of the load taken off by pushing down on the ground to make the shaft move to the other side of the hole. That will usually allow the grease to flow in.

 

[Soundguy]

I had a zerk that would not take grease, I took the zerk out and cleaned it out and grease went through it until I put it back in the part, then it would not take grease again, what now?

The port/grease duct that zerk services is blocked. If it is a mobile joint.. like on a loader or backhoe.. try rotating the joint.. it may not have a grease track.. but rather just a grease hole.. and a pin may be right ont he hole. up against it blocking it.. just exercise the joint, then grease..

Soundguy

 

[HomeBrew2]

If Jerry's good trick doesn't work, you can take a center punch and make a series of punches around the hole to decrease the diameter/create larger burrs.

 

[3RRL]

If your current zerk is a ¼-28 thread, you can drill & tap to 1/8 NPT. Napa carries both size threads and Metric ones too.