Bicycle Mechanics - Solution for Stripped Threads?

The threads are stripped in one of the bottle cage mount holes on my steel mtb frame. I can get the bolt to screw in, but it won't tighten up. It just spins.

What's the best remedy?

Thanks.

The threads are stripped in one of the bottle cage mount holes on my steel mtb frame. I can get the bolt to screw in, but it won't tighten up. It just spins.

What's the best remedy?

Thanks.
tap it with next biggest size tap and use a larger bolt.

The bolt could be the problem. Have you tried a new one?

Yep, I've tried a different bolt. It's definitely the frame.

I'll admit I've never re-tapped anything before. Is it pretty easy? And do they make larger diameter cage mount bolts, or do I just buy something similar at the hardware store?

using a tap is basically like screwing in a bolt. go nice and slow and use some light oil on the tap. or ask you lbs if they could do it. the bolt will be determined by the tap size.

here is a demo

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/hi_tools/article/0,2037,DIY_13936_4206426,00.html

using a tap is basically like screwing in a bolt. go nice and slow and use some light oil on the tap. or ask you lbs if they could do it. the bolt will be determined by the tap size.

here is a demo

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/hi_tools/article/0,2037,DIY_13936_4206426,00.html

Very helpful. Thank you.

Tapping a hole is very easy. Just take your time, and don't forget to reverse the tap about a 1/4 turn every 1/2 - 2/3rds rotation to break the chips.

If it's just the bottle cage, stick a toothpick in the hole and try screwing it in again.

If it's just the bottle cage, stick a toothpick in the hole and try screwing it in again.

hahah, that's my grandpa's old fix. love it.

Tapping a hole is very easy. Just take your time, and don't forget to reverse the tap about a 1/4 turn every 1/2 - 2/3rds rotation to break the chips.
Single best bit of advice to follow. You may want to go-up a size to fractional size (inchs not metric) Of course you can simply go-up one millimeter for that matter. 3/16 seems about right. Do check it first!

Just trying the next larger tap size in the hole may EASILY result in a broken tap!
The hole has to be drilled to the proper size (called a tap drill) before tapping.

Water bottle bolts are M5x.8 mm. The next size up would be M6x1.0 mm. The tap drills and taps for this are readily available

I had a similar problem on a Raleigh Technium frame and it was the "braze-on" spinning in the frame. It wasn't really brazed on, obviously. Glued it back in place with superglue and didn't have any more problems.

You could just wear a Camelbak...

If you aren't fussy, you can drill it with a 7/32" drill and tap it 1/4-20.
I mention this, because that drill size is commonly found in small, fractional "homeowner" type drill sets.
1/4-20 is a common US bolt size.
If you want to stay Metric, a #8 drill and 6mm tap are required.
You might even do both, just to keep them the same.

If it's just the bottle cage, stick a toothpick in the hole and try screwing it in again.

Why mess with the toothpick? Just duct tape the cage to the frame. Cmon!

You could just wear a Camelbak...
Actually, I usually do wear a Camelbak. But for quick rides and for races sometimes I like the simpler option of a water bottle. I also like to carry a water bottle on muddy rides so I can rinse things off if necessary.

Thanks to everyone for their help.