Crank arm removal threads are badly stripped on a Stronglight 106 (1980) crank arm. Removal tool pulls straight out when trying to remove the crank arm. I pulled the crank using a 3" three-leg puller. Can the crank arm threads be re-tapped to the larger Stronglight threading used on earlier crank arms? Is there a helicoil option for this application? Or, should I just resort to using the above mentioned 3-leg puller in the future?

TIA

That's a good suggestion, thanks. The current Stronglight bottom bracket is in excellent condition. So, ideally, I'd like to keep using it.

Several companies, including VAR and J.A. Stein, offer crank arm repair kits that that cut a 24mm extractor thread and suitable self-extractor bolts and/or tool for removing the arms. They are not cheap, so for a one-off job, check around with local shops t see if they have the tools. E.g.:

Thanks for this info. I've bought other tools from J A Stein and should have thought of them. Stein's extractor system cuts a 24 x 1.5 mm thread - yet another crank arm extractor tool.

As does VAR's. If you let a shop do the work with their tools, you can have them install self-extractor mounting bolts, so you won't need yet another extractor tool. Both VAR and Stein include those with their crank repair tool kit.

...the Stein setup comes with several pieces/parts. One of those pieces/parts works as the extractor, once you get the new threads cut. I have one, but I wouldn't have bought one for just a single use. The insert thingies that you can install to reduce the new threads you cut back down to a standard crank puller are somewhat difficult to come by, but a few of them come with the tool. But it you have the tool, you don't need the inserts.

I guess it depends on how attached you are t o that Stronglight crank, or whether you think maybe you'll use the Stein puller again.