How do I - thread cutting.

[StratosFearXX]

Right clever people, want to cut the threads on these u-bolts another 1cm each side. How to do it without having to take the spinny handle thing off every rotation to get past the other leg?

Presumably there's some ratchet tool that'll do it, or can I bodge something with a normal ratchet spanner?

 

[Howzat]

Mole grips?

 

[B.different]

Depending on the metal could you not warm it up and straighten it out enough so it won't catch? Or put an oversized deep socket on the cutter part?

 

[Mike Y]

Cut the arms down on your die handle so they don't clash? Or buy another die handle with removable arms?

 

[DXX]

That’s a die, get yourself a die nut, it has a hexagonal body and use can use a socket or a spanner.
If you are desperate to do it straight away just bend the U bolt in the middle, cut the threads and bend it back.

 

[StratosFearXX]

Mole grips?

Working but it's hard going.

 

[StratosFearXX]

That’s a die, get yourself a die nut, it has a hexagonal body and use can use a socket or a spanner.
If you are desperate to do it straight away just bend the U bolt in the middle, cut the threads and bend it back.

I knew there'd be something!

 

[StratosFearXX]

Thanks all, die nut and a deep socket looks like the answer!

And no I'm not bending it, it's stainless, I'll never get it back into the right shape.

 

[DXX]

If it’s a decent quality die grips won’t bite as it will be hardened.
It is possible to make a 3 pin driver that fits in the die flutes if cutting a thread in very confined space but it’s just not worth the effort in this case.

 

[Led Sandwich]

that die looks round so im not sure a die nut would work with it. you could, cut one arm off an you will get nearly a full rotation each time with plenty of leverage. rather than half a rotation.

 

[StratosFearXX]

If it’s a decent quality die grips won’t bite as it will be hardened.
It is possible to make a 3 pin driver that fits in the die flutes if cutting a thread in very confined space but it’s just not worth the effort in this case.

Yeah well it's a cheapo die and the grips aren't gripping well at all ...

 

[StratosFearXX]

that die looks round so im not sure a die nut would work with it. you could, cut one arm off an you will get nearly a full rotation each time with plenty of leverage. rather than half a rotation.

Die nut as in a hexagonal one, not a round one, didn't know they existed until now.

 

[DXX]

Die nut as in a hexagonal one, not a round one, didn't know they existed until now.

Really for dressing a thread but they will easily cut threads just as well as a die, just make sure that you use it the correct way around - cutting face having the tapered lead.

 

[MorkC68]

That’s a die, get yourself a die nut, it has a hexagonal body and use can use a socket or a spanner.
If you are desperate to do it straight away just bend the U bolt in the middle, cut the threads and bend it back.

Exactly what I would suggest!

 

[DaveD]

Die nut as in a hexagonal one, not a round one, didn't know they existed until now.

Can't you grind a couple of flats on the round part of that die to give you a bit more grip with the mole grips, or tack weld a couple of lumps on it to give you better purchase?
Or even weld a much larger nut on top of the die?

 

[jimc91]

Clamp the die in a vice and turn the clamp instead

 

[Bargy62]

Die nut as in a hexagonal one, not a round one, didn't know they existed until now.

What size thread are you cutting

 

[Stay Frosty]

Looks like 6.00mm metric.
Not going to mention ratchet die stocks like a pipe fitter would use as they tend to go 1/2" and up and expensive as are the electric versions that have a tripod built in and suds pump.

 

[StratosFearXX]

Looks like 6.00mm metric.

Yep, just a little M6 1.00. this stainless steel or HARD though.

 

[StratosFearXX]

Can't you grind a couple of flats on the round part of that die to give you a bit more grip with the mole grips, or tack weld a couple of lumps on it to give you better purchase?
Or even weld a much larger nut on top of the die?

I can grind, that's a good idea, I don't weld (well haven't in a long time and don't have welding gear).