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View Full Version : This self-tapping bolt stripped the hole I drilled for it. Now what?

Brian Blum
08-23-2005, 05:43 PM
I'm installing my Toys by Troy Rock Steps. Per the instructions I drilled six, 5/16", holes in bottom of my TJ's tub and screwed in the 3/8" self tapping bolts. Two of the six won't get tight, the just keep spinnin' and spinnin'. Apparently I didn't drill those two holes straight and now they're too big?

So, what should I do? Is there such a thing as a self tapping bolt that is say...13/32"?
scout4bta
08-23-2005, 06:09 PM
Find someone with a mig (wire feed) welder to weld up the holes. Hunter Off Road comes to mind.

Steve
Joe West
08-23-2005, 06:21 PM
Are you putting self tapping screws into sheetmetal? Can you get to the backside of what you are screwing them into?

Joe
nate
08-23-2005, 06:32 PM
go buy some grade 8 bolts and rent a tap and die set from Checkers.....tread the holes install the steps
Triple-XJ
08-23-2005, 07:23 PM
Are you putting self tapping screws into sheetmetal? Can you get to the backside of what you are screwing them into?

Joe

Unless Troy changed his design, they self tap into the FRAME :eek:
Brian Blum
08-23-2005, 07:49 PM
Unless Troy changed his design, they self tap into the FRAME :eek:

Troy makes both "rock steps (http://www.toysbytroy.com/Product_Files/Product_Rock_Sliders_files/RockSteps%20001B.JPG)" and "rock sliders (http://www.toysbytroy.com/Product_Files/Product_Rock_Sliders_files/RockSliders%20001B.JPG)." The Rock Sliders bolt to the frame, the Rock Steps (which is what I have) bolt to the tub.
Brian Blum
08-23-2005, 07:53 PM
Are you putting self tapping screws into sheetmetal? Can you get to the backside of what you are screwing them into?

Joe

The tub is double walled in the places I drilled. I'm not exactly sure how much space is in between the two walls, but I'd guess it's about 3/4". I suppose I could drill through both walls, but I'm not sure I want to do that. Although it would certainly work.
Brian Blum
08-23-2005, 07:53 PM
go buy some grade 8 bolts and rent a tap and die set from Checkers.....tread the holes install the steps

I like this idea. Thanks.
Brian Blum
08-23-2005, 07:54 PM
Find someone with a mig (wire feed) welder to weld up the holes. Hunter Off Road comes to mind.

Steve

This one sounds good too. After I do the driver's side and see how many of those I mess up I'll decide which way to go.

Thanks to everyone for the advice.
rockwerks
08-23-2005, 08:42 PM
I'm installing my Toys by Troy Rock Steps. Per the instructions I drilled six, 5/16", holes in bottom of my TJ's tub and screwed in the 3/8" self tapping bolts. Two of the six won't get tight, the just keep spinnin' and spinnin'. Apparently I didn't drill those two holes straight and now they're too big?

So, what should I do? Is there such a thing as a self tapping bolt that is say...13/32"?

The problem is your hole is too big a 3/8" self threading bolt uses a type R bit, 5/16" is too big
mingoglia
08-23-2005, 08:44 PM
I have a tap/die set I just bought 2 weekends ago if you need it. I'm in Gilbert, what side of town are you on?

Mike
ROCPOUNDER
08-23-2005, 08:47 PM
I would do one of two.... if they bolt to the tub, just find a nut and lock washer, and put it on the backside of a longer bolt. (find a longer bolt to match, drill hole through) Or, if they bolt to frame, drill even bigger hole, and weld nut to the outside of the hole, so it threads into the nut, not frame... MAYBE I'M OFF ON THE DISCRIPTION CAUSE I DON'T OWN A TJ, BUT SOMETHING ALONG THOSE LINES IS WHAT I'M THINKING