I have just bought a bike on eBay (Avanti Sprint) which is in awesome condition except for one small problem. The previous owner has cross threaded on of the holes for the bottle cages. I was wondering if anyone knows if this can be fixed or if it's worth fixing (i.e. too expensive).

Have you tried simply using a tap to retap the threads (5 x 0.8)?

Sorry but am not mechanical in anyway, what's a tap??

It's a special tool made of hardened steel that has cutting threads. Most hardware stores carry them, and you need to buy a tap that has the same threads as the hole you're tapping. In the case of a water bottle cage braze-on, that's metric 5 x 0.8.

They're very inexpensive.

Awesome thanks Scooper, I'll grab one tongith and give it a go, was freaking out when I realised what was wrong had visions of going for long rides with only one bottle .

Bavin: If you did not even know what a tap is, I do not think you should be attempting to tap a hole. Have your local bike shop tap the threads in and save yourself a big head ache. You could do a lot of damage.

Excellent suggestion.

+1
Tapping is probably not something one should attempt the first time without an experienced "observer". That size tap would be VERY easy to break, resulting in much bigger problems.
The hole may also be too "messed up" for a simple re-tapping and need to be drilled & tapped to the next larger size. I'd suggest "punt" on this one and let your LBS do it. You want to make "points" with them eventually!

Bavin,

If the threads are really "messed-up", you may not have any threads left after running a M5x0.8 tap through. In that case, all is still not lost. Helicoil makes a thread repair tool (part #5546-5) that allows you to drill out the hole to a larger size, thread the hole to a larger size, and then install a thread insert (looks like a short spring) that is a new set of threads, and locks into the larger threaded hole to give the original size hole.

They can be found on Amazon for about $25, for the tap, installation tool, and 12 thread inserts. Cost new is much more. I think they have taken old tools and replaced the inserts with new, stainless ones. Here is one page offering them: https://www.amazon.com/Helicoil-5546-.../dp/B000BB8XLG

Tom

If your frame is aluminum, I imagine it has nutserts or riv-nuts.
I don't believe there will be enough meat(metal)to drill out and re-tap with a Heli-coil.

Probably should take it to a good bike shop and get a opinion.


https://www.avkfasteners.com/
https://www.bollhoff.com/web/usa/en/w...ts_rivkle.html
https://www.bylerrivet.com/products/r...s.aspx?cat=237
https://www.enfasco.com/frame4.htm

My LBS fixed it up so all good, thanks for the advise

I'm glad it worked out.