I need help with shortening bolts.

[Richie Rich]

A question for the Machinists in the audience....

There are those occasions when a bolt is just too long and needs to be cut down. My problem is getting the end filed correctly so that the nut will go on without stripping or without me fighting to get it started.

I always put a nut on first before grabbing the hacksaw in order to help straighten the threads, and then I flail away with a triangular file. But getting the end right is something I haven't mastered yet.

What's the trick to finishing off a cut bolt..??

Thanks......Richie >>
.

[trikeman]

I'm certainly no machinist RR, but I always just take a flat file and file the end of the cut bolt into a fairly steep wedge shape on four sides. I also take off any threads that look like they are damaged so the nut wont thread on. Works for me.

[macka]

Buy the die that matches the thread and after you cut down the bolt, file off any rough spots then chase the thread(put the die on and follow the thread down cleaning the threads out). Once you have chased the thread, check for burrs, clean them up if you have them, and then use the bolt. If you are going to make a small bolt to be a part of a captured nut set up, use flat stock and don't bother with cutting down nuts, its more work and aggravation then necessary.

[TheKid]

I was taught the same way as Trikeman, except to file all around the bolt until it's nicely tapered. However, I have discovered that if you turn the bolt while cutting, it gets the same result. Cut a little, turn, cut a little, turn etc. if done correctly, just before it goes completely through, the bolt will look like a tree that's been gnawed at by a cartoon beaver. After cutting through, the nut should go on as if the bolt was new.

[Mitdan]

What's the trick to finishing off a cut bolt..??

Thanks......Richie >>
.[/QUOTE]

When you cut a bolt you remove the angle on the top part of the thread which makes it hard to start on the nut. File some angle back into the thread and it will start easier.

[greenevegiebeast]

If you go by your local auto parts store they may have a loan a tool "thred repair" kit after you cut the bolt use the kit

[Wood Butcher]

If you have a bench grinder, grind a small 45° chamfer on the end of the threads after you remove the nut. Make sure the chamfer is large enough that it goes below the root of the thread.

If a bench grinder is not available, follow the advice given in the other posts.

[rickairmed]

I have always just simply removed the nut which repaired the threads as it came off . I have never had a problem with getting the nut back on after I got it off. I will admit it does take some effort to get the nut off .

Rick

[Richie Rich]

A big "THANK YOU" to everyone for their suggestions.

They're all just what I was looking for. I've got some bolts to trim for an upcoming project and I'm sure I'll have no more problems.

Thanks to all....!!

.....Richie Rich....
.

[rickairmed]

RR one other thing I didnt mention that makes things easier for me is to put 2 nuts on the bolt and lock them together at the point where you want to cut the bolt . This will give you the flat surface of the nut to use as a guide for the hacksaw while cutting the bolt.


Rick

[gbbwolf]

Well what I usually do to avoid all the mess is find my tap and die set.
Then thread it on Before I cut the bolt.
Then work it down till it comes off the end.
Simple easy and effective.
Tap and die sets are fairly inexpensive.
Granted a good one can be expensive.
But I got a great one for free so I use it quite a bit.

Nelson

[alecw35]

I put a nut on the bolt and put the end against the bench grinder. makes a nice flat end
if the bolt is small. bolt it to a flat bit of metal to make sure the bench grinder doesnt grab it and throw it away