Boss Moniker

I know how tightly the track nuts are threaded on the rear axle is quite important because of the forces involved, but what about the front axle? The reason I ask is the bike I'm converting to a fixie came with these neat bronze wing-nuts (the original quick release) on the front. But I bought new wheels, and the axle was a different size and thread, so I bored the wing nuts out and retapped them, but they're a touch loose when threading. This is probably because my bore-hole was 1/64th too wide, and bronze is funny about tapping. The threads are so loose I could thread the nut on all the way with a flick of my finger.

They do grip, and I can tighten them down almost to where I'd do track nuts, but is there a risk of them coming off, or just randomly stripping? Is it even that important on the front axle? Do they still sell similar items, or are they just obsolete?

sivat

Cut threads are weak to begin with. Given that the depth of the thread isn't much more that 1/32", you're missing about half. They aren't going to be under a lot of force, but I wouldn't trust it.

baxtefer

do you value your teeth?

Learn_not2burn

Plus Bronze is soft as hell.

trons

tighten them with a wrench

edit: wait, i didnt read the whole thing. **** them

Boss Moniker

Huh, sounds like a resounging "NO!" Sort of what I expected, that's why I asked. I don't even have the lawyer lip on the fork (this was pre-QR lawsuits).

So.. because I've become so fond of these things, and I might want to remove my wheel from time to time without tools, do they still sell similar things? Any sources, anyone?

poopncow

Sorry, but by using too big a tap drill, the wing nuts are now conversational pieces. Loosely cutted threads will either stripe or will not stay tight. I doubt anyone still make this stuff, but that doesn't mean they can't be found. Good luck





forget this following rant
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
1. With the size threads we are playing with, drilling a hole 1/64 too large in dia is just ... wrong.
2. Bronze taps, but you have to be careful, because it has a tendency to grab which will affect the quality of the threads. When machining bronze we used to knock the edge of the tooling down on purpose. so instead of a chisel shaped edge, we used a squared edge.
3. Inside threads are cut, rolling is not an option. rule of thumb, 6 complete threads. but since you didn't use the correct tap drill, it is a moot point.
4.

LóFarkas

Nobody will be able to tell you through the net if the threads are good enough. They don't need to hold very firmly at all, but then if the two bolts ever strip at the same time, you're ****ed.

I'm sure you will easily find another pair of wing nuts. Scan ebay, craigslist, ask a few friend who have old bikes etc. If you have an LBS with junky old used bikes, you're set. I'm sure you can get a similar pair for $5 somewhere.

Edit: quick search turns up these for $20: https://cgi.ebay.com/BICYCLE-WING-NUT...QQcmdZViewItem

Also, if all else fails, you can get them from a hardware store.

Black Shuck

I rode around with my front wheel loose, nuts screwed on fingertight for 2 weeks without even noticing. "Fun" surprise when i got a flat and needed to take the wheel off.

Boss Moniker

Well yeah, I just couldn't find a drill bit in 21/64ths size.. guess I'll just use tracknuts, they aren't worth $20 to me. Maybe I'll poke around the student bike shop, but they'd probably make me buy the whole bike (probably only $20, but still). Thanks for your help guys!

sivat

If i recall, 21/64ths is the tap size for a 7/16" bolt? I would think you could find a 7/16" wingnut at a hardward or fastener store. There's no reason it has to be bicycle specific. On a side note, the OSH hardware store near me has an impressive selection of both taps and drill bits (numbered and lettered as well as sizes in 1/64" increments).