What is the die size for lug stud threads?
 

Hello folks,

A couple of the studs on one hub appear to be messy and have messed up the lug nuts. I was thinking about buying a die to clean up the threads. Does anyone know the proper die size? (I guess I need to know the diameter, thread spacing, thread depth?). And where can I buy one, Sears? Also is this something I can do at home? How do I make sure that the die is completely perpendicular to the stud at the beginning? Any other suggestions on how to clean up the threads on the studs? Really don't want to bring it to a shop, but if you think this is risky at home then I will take it somewhere. I need to buy maybe 4-6 used black lug nuts in case anyone has some.

Thanks!
Roland

M14 x 1.5
A local machine shop would have em if Sears doesn't. Should be doable at home.

I think the Studs are heat treated & it would take a good HSS die instead of a carbon steel one. You may even chip the teeth in a die. New studs are the best fix & a couple of studs probably won't cost anymore than a good die.

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the above suggestions. Here is the fix that worked. BTW Sears didn't have the proper die size, and I also inquired at the local machine shop, and they could either "chase" the threads or press in new studs.

I figured it was worth a closer look at the problem. So I found 2 studs, with about 2-3 threads each somewhat depressed, almost like somebody dropped a tool, or hit the stud with a hammer or something like that, both at the tip of the stud. So the peak of the thread was squashed, and some of the material then got splayed into a couple of thread valleys. So I had this old set of jewelry files, that I use about every 3 years, real narrow, different shapes and sizes. There is one that is triangular with only 1 face actually a grated file. I used that one (and my glasses) to simply file away the material a bit, and it all worked like a charm. This is the type of fix I like, nothing to go buy, don't have to drop off the car, basically the shortest amount of time.

Roland

Check McMaster Carr for "Thread Restoring Files".