Rethreading Stripped Plastic Threads

[firecadet613]

I have a control box where the screw goes into plastic and of course the plastic has stripped out. There's not much material here to work with, but what's the best way to rethread this?

 

[rhamersley]

There's an insert called Helicoil that we used in stripped metal where I used to work. Don't know if they make one for plastic or not, but worth a shot.

 

[patience0830]

Epoxy the hole drill and retap? Epoxy the hole and leave a well waxed screw in the epoxy as it cures?

 

[firecadet613]

Epoxy the hole and leave a well waxed screw in the epoxy as it cures?

This may be the ticket, can't believe I didn't think of it.

I did something similar on my boat when I was rebedding the foredeck screws...think I still have the paste wax from that project.

Thanks!

 

[Mr. Habib]

Is there enough space to epoxy a hex nut in place? That way you will have metal threads.

 

[firecadet613]

Is there enough space to epoxy a hex nut in place? That way you will have metal threads.

That may be my last case scenario, I'd likely have to cut away some plastic towards the bottom to fit it in.

 

[Lmo1131]

This may be the ticket, can't believe I didn't think of it.

JB Weld makes a plastic formula. Don't use too much wax on the threads; it tends to fill them up, and you're back to a 'hole'.

 

[Mij]

JB Weld——-I use that **** on everything.

 

[Ark]

If all it does is hold a plastic lid on the box, a squirt of JB and shoving the screw in will probably hold it.

 

[xwing]

Path of least resistance: Just use a slightly thicker screw. Takes about 10 seconds, and works "good enough" for most things.

 

[BroodXI]

can always use heat inserts too.

Amazon product ASIN B08TRJYLFT

 

[WebSnyper]

If all it does is hold a plastic lid on the box, a squirt of JB and shoving the screw in will probably hold it.

Drill through the screw hole and zip tie the lid to the box. Need to remove it, cut the zip tie. Need to reattach it, new zip tie.

 

[firecadet613]

Even easier than I thought.

I cut the end off a toothpick, just shorter than the screw and shoved it in there. It gave it just enough bite and is secure.

It only holds the cover on the box, so no pressure on it unless it's pulled on.

 

[Mij]

Drill through the screw hole and zip tie the lid to the box. Need to remove it, cut the zip tie. Need to reattach it, new zip tie.

Zip ties!!! I use that **** on everything.

 

[Mij]

Mij…….for the king of baling wire!!!