Helicoiling cranks,...
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

Helicoiling cranks, permanent solution or temp fix?

9 Posts
7 Users
8 Reactions
82 Views
Posts: 944
Free Member
Topic starter
 

My Sram Descendant carbon drive side crank has spat my pedal and threads out. Think it happened because not long after I got it 7 years ago the pedal fell off in the middle of a winter ride and I think I cross threaded it putting it back on. Anyway it’s lasted 7 years so I’m wondering whether to get it helicoiled or is it new cranks time?
Don’t want to waste money if its only a temp fix. What does one think?


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 1:49 pm
Posts: 1729
Free Member
 

aluminium insert in the carbon i assume? helicoil will be fine as long as the cost is suitable

how much are a set of carbon cranks? 160 upwards? probably worth the helicoil


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 1:53 pm
Posts: 11605
Free Member
 

Plenty of folk used to helicoil cranks back in the day, it's how I heard of it. Raceface something or other, about 20 years ago now. Anyway as long as its done properly it should be a permanent fix.


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 1:55 pm
Posts: 944
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Yeah , alloy insert. As you say a crankset is well over a ton so I’m thinking I may as well get them done. Thanks guys.


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 1:59 pm
Posts: 9783
Full Member
 

Pulled a pedal out of some Xos on a rock strike in Leogang in the summer.

Had it hellicoiled in the bike shop on site but its not the best job and it's not in straight. If it was to be done again unless they could guarantee the straightness I wouldn't bother and take the hit on new cranks


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 2:26 pm
thols2 and thols2 reacted
Posts: 944
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Hopefully my mate at the local garage who does a fair bit of helicoiling will have a look for me. But if it’s not right it will be new cranks time. I was at BPW when this happened and luckily it was the last run of the day, if it had been early on it would have been a right bummer.


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 2:42 pm
Posts: 4954
Free Member
 

As long as there is enough meat on the aluminium insert it will be good.


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 2:43 pm
thols2 and thols2 reacted
Posts: 11961
Full Member
 

As above, if there's enough metal in the insert and it's done straight, it should be as good as new.


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 2:48 pm
Posts: 1729
Free Member
 

remember.. if its a left hand thread crank... your mate at the garage probably wont be able to help you.


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 2:50 pm
thols2 and thols2 reacted
Posts: 1725
Free Member
 

For pedal threads I prefer using threaded inserts to helicoils. Thats what comes in the Var, Unior, Cyclus etc kits. I fit the insert with a high strength retaining compound (need heat to remove). Helicoils are more prone to accidently removing the coil when removing/installing pedals.

The tools and inserts from Ceeway are a lot cheaper than the big brands.

A lot of shops will rely on the tool being self aligning, you can get ok results if you are careful and the hole is not too wallowed out. If you have access to a mill, radial arm etc you can set it up to ensure it is parallel to the crank spindle.


 
Posted : 13/10/2023 5:09 pm

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!