Die size for Threads on steering column-46 Ford

[dono50]

Steering wheel puller slightly damaged threads on a very stubborn removal.
What size die do I need to clean up the threads?

[Andy]

5/8-18. Ford threads are tighter than aftermarket dies. Only run the die far enough to fix the damaged threads. Do not run it all the way down.

[JWL]

Use a thread file to correct the damaged area.

[rockfla]

Or get a Class A fit die.

[rockfla]

Or class 1A or H1 depending on the die manufacturer, its the closest tolerance thread fit in the machine thread world

[19Fordy]

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Why not use a thread chaser?

[JSeery]

You are most likely not going to be able to use a die or thread chaser until you clean up the threads with a thread file (as JWL suggested). That may well solve the issue by itself. Clean up the threads and try the original nut back on the threads before attempting anything else. It is very easy to create more (and maybe permanent) damage with a die if it is started cross-threaded and they are hard to start correctly on damaged threads.

[Mart]

Try cutting a thin nut in half, put it onto the lower threads, clamp it in place and wind it off. This may get the threads in good enough shape to allow a nut to thread on. As no-one has said, the threads are 5/8"-18. (UNF). Please check this before proceeding.

Rear hub nuts are the same thread.

Mart.

[FlatheadTed]

Plus x2 with Mart ,I have done this on Axles and it can work quiet well (one cut only ),but it depends on the damage ,I have a Colum shaft here that has this same damage but will need welding and re turning ,you could maybe cut the top of the thred of ,Ted

[bobH]

Along the line of what Mart and Ted are saying, I have also used the idea of splitting a nut, putting it on the good threads below the damage, and backing it off. In my case, I arc welded the split nut back together while it was on the good threads, and I used heat (red hot) to let the nut 're-form' the damaged area. Of course, this was on a column shaft that was off the car, and obviously had no horn wire in it.
Now, I have one more column with damaged threads. It is on the car, and has a horn wire. I haven't figured out how to approach this one.

[Bruce Lancaster]

The threads are generally deformed downward, and you want to encourage them to roll up a bit if you can. Unless damage is very minor and you can file most of it out you aren't going to have an easy time starting a die up there!
Splitting a nut and turning it UP from the good threads like Mart says, after filing metal that is totally out of shape is good.
Other tools out there...an axle thread repair tool, a common tool among early Ford people, is a sort of hinged thread straightener, or a "Little Giant" brand die, which is made in two pices and can be adjusted from loose to tight fit. Always give a clue on your location, as someone on here probably has specialized tools nearby.
All the really troublesome thread requiring heavy pulling on a Ford are 5/8-18...rear hubs, steering, and perch pins.

[dono50]

I will try the thread file first,if that doesn't work the split nut should do,the trick.
Last resort, the 5/8-18 die to clean up the damaged area....thanks to all responders

[bobH]

If you get to the 'last resort', the die, I would encourage you to use the split-type, as Bruce suggested, and back off, starting with the die fit to the good, lower threads.
In my case, I have the Little Giant that Bruce mentioned, Also a Vermont brand true 2-piece die, and also a specialized split die made especially for what you are trying to do.
I believe I bought the specialized die from someone who advertised it on fordbarn.
JMO

[Mart]

I made a split die by buying a die off ebay and cutting it part way through with the thinnest disc I could get. I then "broke" the die (actually quite difficult to do) and then held it in a conventional die holder and starting at the good threads, wound it off to make the threads good. I did this on a pair of mildly damaged perch pins. The coarse grain of the break helped align the two parts of the die.

Mart.

[Johnnydidd]

I sell a split die go to website: www.ez2usetools.com you can watch a video on how they all products in stock and guaranteed. john