Bolts Won't Tightnen

Darren L · Post by **Darren L** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 12:15 pm

Took the combustion blower off to clean out the back of the stove and now the 2 of the 3 bolts won't tighten back up all the way.any suggestions thinking of just getting some lock washers do you think that will be ok.

scoobydoo · Post by **scoobydoo** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 12:24 pm

Are the bolts corroded?If they are,get new bolts.

Darren L · Post by **Darren L** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 12:28 pm

no they look brand new

davidmcbeth3 · Post by **davidmcbeth3** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 1:27 pm

Darren L wrote:Took the combustion blower off to clean out the back of the stove and now the 2 of the 3 bolts won't tighten back up all the way.any suggestions thinking of just getting some lock washers do you think that will be ok.

I assume that these are bolts that fit into a threaded "hole" w/o any nuts needed? And toggle bolts are not possible.

Putting in lock washers is not a solution in this case ... I doubt that they would have any desired effect.

So its either a) bolts are worn b) threads are worn c) both a & b

How to fix?

Start with new bolts ...be careful about the type of thread on any new bolt(s) purchased !!!

No good? Then re-threading the threads is best (requiring new bolts of course). Can be done by several different ways ... actually re-threading via re-threader ... or by screwing in the coil-type of threads ... or by putting in other fixture (threaded part with interior threads).

You could try some lock thread products by Loctite ... but its on a stove ... they make a couple of types .. one requires more force to remove, another that requires heat to remove ...

Or teflon tape to slightly increase the diameter of the bolts.

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 1:59 pm

How about a flat & lock washer, ya got enough bolt length???

windyhill4.2 · Post by **windyhill4.2** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 2:06 pm

Do the bolts have any of the thread that looks like it is stripped ? (thread is almost gone,smaller diameter) Try new bolts. If the "nuts" or thread in the hole is stripped you could try slightly larger self tappers for now.

Darren L · Post by **Darren L** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 2:16 pm

the threads look fine the bolts go in without any trouble,just won't tighten snug.I bought some blue Loctite hopefully that will work for now.thinking it may the threads on the stove

davidmcbeth3 · Post by **davidmcbeth3** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 5:07 pm

Darren L wrote:the threads look fine the bolts go in without any trouble,just won't tighten snug.I bought some blue Loctite hopefully that will work for now.thinking it may the threads on the stove

Give the Loctite about a week to fully set ... it says like 1/2 day, but just my experience ...

Post by **coaledsweat** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 5:16 pm

If they won't tighten you need to fix it. Loctite is not a solution for a stripped thread.

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 5:22 pm

Sounds more like a cross thread problem to me--can you re-tap the holes gently?? WHOOPS--just re-read---"won't tighten snugly" yep!! you're stripped. Re-drill & tap one size up.

windyhill4.2 · Post by **windyhill4.2** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 5:55 pm

OR , get some ss self-drilling,self-tapping bolts of the next size up.

scoobydoo · Post by **scoobydoo** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 6:13 pm

You could try a thread repair kit like Permatex Form-A-Thread or Loctite Form-A-Thread repair kit if you don't want to drill and tap.

Darren L · Post by **Darren L** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 6:31 pm

thanks everyone for there help,it's working for now.

carlherrnstein · Post by **carlherrnstein** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 11:18 pm

A little late but, I have used steel wool to "tighten" threads before. Its not a permanent or good solution but it works if there's not much stress on the joint.

stovepipemike · Post by **stovepipemike** » Mon. Feb. 23, 2015 7:50 am

For those of us that are not familiar with the LL brand of equipment, what is the thickness of material that you are threading into? Mike