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In an attempt to get down with the cool kids and go bagless, I managed to cross-thread one of the water cage bosses on my carbon frame. I'm pretty sure that the 'boss' is in fact a rivet nut.
What's the best way to fix this problem? Replace the rivet nut? Is this a job most bike shop mechanics can do? Is there any easier way?
By the way, I don't think that the cross-threading is too bad - just the top 1 or two rotations.
Try running a course M5 tap through it to tidy up the thread.
If its just the first thread or two I would just run a tap through it.
If its wrecked I would replace the riv nut. Rivnut tool is nice to use, but you can install a new one with a bolt, washer and nut. If you drill the head off the old one make sure you can get the remains out the frame, normally easy on the seat tube, down tube depends on the frame.
Tap is likely to sort it
Thanks - what kind of a tap would I need? I know very little about these things I'm afraid...
Tap or thread restoring tool depending on how damaged the threads are.
M5 x 0.8mm tap, either taper or second cut.
Any chance someone could share a link - so many options out there, I'm lost!
Where are you. I'm sure someone would lend you one or you could cycle round and its a 2 min job (allowing for social distancing). In bristol if that helps.
Thanks for the tips and offers of help everyone - problem SOLVED!!!
Thought I'd share an update in case anyone else finds themselves in a similar pickle in the future.
I ended up buying a basic metric tap and die set from Draper. It cost less than £15 from a local DIY store. the repair process was super easy. I just selected the correct size tap (M5 in my case), doused it in a tiny bit of dry chain oil, and screwed it into the cross-threaded rivet nut using the T-wrench from the set. It worked like a dream and the water bottle boss is like new again - I can effortlessly screw in a bolt with just my fingers. I was even able to freshen up the old M5 bolt (which caused the damage) using a die from the same set. All in all, I'm amazed with how well the solution worked. I'm definitely going to hold onto this little toolset - I'm sure that it'll come in handy again in the future.
Bravo Coolbeanz!
I have a few Aldi tap and die specials and other "might be useful kit", let's face it we are not professionals but occasionally they can sort out a pickle.