Minor bolt repair

Problem: A nut/bolt has a damaged thread but we don't have a replacement on hand, nor a die or a tap.

Solution: This is a solution I have used on a few occasions. Grab some fine valve grinding compound and put some on the affected part. Run the nut/bolt up and down the threads. The compound will help polish the threads, clear away debris and smooth out the damaged area. After polishing, wash the parts with solvent or other cleaner to remove the compound. (It also works on stainless steel bolts, although galling is still a worry.)

A tip of the Mr. O hard hat and a Mr. O Problem Solver T-shirt go to Kim Schumacher, Maintenance Super-visor, Golden Valley Processors Inc., Abbotsford, B.C.

Determining the diameter
of a hard-to-access shaft

Problem: How can you measure the size of a hard-to-access shaft when you do not have any calipers available?

Solution: Tie a weight on to both ends of a length of string, then place the string over the shaft. Allow the weighted ends of the string to hand down below the bottom of the shaft. The shaft diameter may now be determined by measuring the distance between the strings with a ruler or tape measure.

Our thanks and a Mr. O Problem Solver T-shirt go to Kevin Luedey of New Waterford, N.S.

Putting a nut on a hard-to-reach bolt

Problem: How can you put a nut on a bolt that is in a hard-to-reach place? The nut always falls out of the socket.

Solution: Simply place masking tape around the bottom of the nut, making sure you don't cover the hole. Wrap the tape around the socket wrench and the nut won't fall off.

The same idea works with open or box end wrenches when working in blind spots. Just place a piece of tape along one side of the wrench to hold the nut in place.

Our thanks and a Mr. O Problem Solver T-shirt go to James Steiner of Steiner's Repair Service in Stratton, Ont.

Marking a circular part for machining

Problem: When using a machine shop lathe, how can you divide a circular part (i.e. a flange) into divisions, or mark angles or parallel lines, without using a rotary table?

Solution: Here's a solution that works. Cut grooves into the back portion of the lathe chuck, and add a moveable pointer and a height gauge to the unit (see photo). These indexing divisions, placed 15 degrees apart, can then be used to indicate various angles and positions on the circular part to be machined. The markings help save time and prove to be very accurate.

Here's how the marker is used. Once you know the centre height above the saddle, the rest if the measuring is easy. Put the lathe in neutral. Align the V-shaped grooves and the tip of the pointer. Then add some tension on the indexing arm to keep the chuck from moving.

Our thanks and a Mr. O Problem Solver T-shirt go to Rupert Wiemer of North Bay, Ont.