Bicycle Mechanics - Would you tap that...

Ok, so I have two stripped crank arms that I am interested in tapping and reusing.

The problem is this scares me. I see the park tap tool set and it seems simple enough, but is it simple enough?

Cambria has the tap set for $30.

I could throw a couple extra bucks in and get a whole new crankset on the cheap (the one I am repairing is old anyway).

Also, is the 1/2"-20TPI the right size for your standard pedal (think: spd)?

thanks for any help, tips, advice etc.

Heck, I would just a new crankset. I mean, unless you had some super rare or super expensive crank, then I would think about it. But if your attitude is that for a "couple extra bucks" you could get a new one, personally, I wouldn't even bother. But hey...that's only me and my opinion. It's not terribly hard to fix one, but will you really use the tap more than....oh....once? At least with a new set of cranks, they'll be good for years.

yep, leaning in that direction. Unless... I can borrow a set of taps from a friend who is MIA right now. In that case you make it sound like it isn't a hard process.

Thanks.

If the crank is indeed stripped, the taps by themselves won't do any good. Stripping means that the metal that formed the threads is gone. To fix them you would need a repair kit to drill out and tap the old hole to a larger size, then install an insert. That kit is closer to $100.

All pedals use the same mounting thread.

thanks DMF. So, here's the rest of the story:

zgjd loaned bike to friend. friend put on platforms. friend replaces platforms with spd pedals. friend gives bike back to zgjd. zgjd pedals bike. pedal rips from crankarm. now zgjd thinks it is more stripped than damaged. friend does not return emails.

Looks like a new crankset is appropriate. It a rough decision as this is my around town grocery getter/commuter. Not sure how much I want to put into her.

zgjd

for the record....

I view these as the "I'm only ever gonna' use it ONCE" type tool purchases.

If it were me, and I wanted to keep the crankset, I'd pay the LBS (or a local machine shop) to do it.

You can sometimes buy just one crank arm, not quite half price, but cheaper than a whole set.

Typical 3 piece cranks use a 9/16" pedal thread.
Typical 1 piece use 1/2".

One-piece cranks should be against the law.

I had a LBS put in a helicoil in a stripped crank for $15.

I had a LBS put in a helicoil in a stripped crank for $15.

and THAT's what I'm talkin' about.

Incidentally, why hasn't anybody applauded the OP for his thread title? Rather cute, I'd say :)

Ok, so I have two stripped crank arms that I am interested in tapping and reusing.

The problem is this scares me. I see the park tap tool set and it seems simple enough, but is it simple enough?

Cambria has the tap set for $30.

I could throw a couple extra bucks in and get a whole new crankset on the cheap (the one I am repairing is old anyway).

Also, is the 1/2"-20TPI the right size for your standard pedal (think: spd)?

thanks for any help, tips, advice etc.

9/16" 20tpi. you are better off just paying the bike shop to do it. It will probably have to be helicoiled. I have run a tap though buggered threads on crank arms, but its rare and usually a once in 2-3 months sorta deal. You would be wasting your money buying taps.

I'd hit that. Best thread ever.

Incidentally, why hasn't anybody applauded the OP for his thread title? Rather cute, I'd say :)

Gotta get attention somehow...

Thanks all.

Gotta get attention somehow...

Thanks all.

Credit please.

Credit please.

You got it.

zgjd loaned bike to friend. friend put on platforms. friend replaces platforms with spd pedals. friend gives bike back to zgjd. zgjd pedals bike. pedal rips from crankarm. now zgjd thinks it is more stripped than damaged. friend does not return emails.


Some friend....unless you plan to tap the "friend".

Never loan out your bikes unless you don't care about it.