wolfshieldrx Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 I have a piece of 1/4 inch hot rolled mild steel rod. I tried to cut 1/4-20 threads with a die. The die just rotates around on the rod and will not start to cut. I have cut many female threads over the years with no problems, but this is the first time I have tried to thread a rod. What am I doing wrong? thanks...bart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy k Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 Grinding a slight taper on the end of the rod will help the die to get started. - JK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unkle spike Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 One thing I noticed in my cheapness.....cheap dies and taps don't work for crap. I am in the process of replacing my Harbor Freight taps and dies, the difference between them and good ones is amazing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRobb Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 A little cutting oil helps also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walking Dog Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 And make sure you're starting the die on its correct side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 Check the OD of the rod is not larger than the 1/4" die. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 Check your die is set properly and not installed too tight in the die holder. Trying to cut undersized threads makes life more difficult all around. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfshieldrx Posted October 9, 2009 Author Share Posted October 9, 2009 Thanks for all the fast and helpful responses. Turns out the biggest problem was the piece of imported-from-china-sorry excuse for manufacturing-lack of quality control-mystery metal junk I bought from the local discount store. Bought a new die (new old-stock-made in us of a) from the local hardware store on the way home. Now the threads cut like butter! Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen Furley Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Make sure the end of the bar is cut square, and file a small chamfer around it. Make sure that you do this evenly around the bar. Small threads like this are normally cut with a one-piece split circular die. The die-stock for these has three screws; the center one has a point which goes into the split in the die, and the two side ones fit into small depressions in the die. Start by loostening the two side screws and tightening the centre one to open the die as far as possible. After taking the first cut try the fit, and if too tight then loosten the centre screw slightly and tighten the side ones. This will close the die slightly and you can take another cut. Repeat until you get the fit right. Always cut the female thread first, as the size of this will be fixed by the size of the tap; only the die is adjustable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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