[Boatanchors] How to repair stripped panel threads

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

OK.  I didn't pay any attention to what the radio was or that it would have 
sheet metal screws.  In that case I would probably use #6 speed nuts if the 
cabinet lip dimensions allow.  You will need to drill out the existing hole to 
about 3/16" dia. so be sure there's enough room to install the speed nut before 
you start drilling.  You can also get them from MCM but I didn't check prices.

The danger in using a nut glued to the back side of the lip is that if 
(probably when) it breaks loose, you won't be able to get the radio apart again 
unless you can reach the nut through some other opening in the cabinet.

On the Pem nuts, sometimes you can use a screw with nut run up on it to start 
pulling them into the hole and then finish with a C-clamp.  But to work 
securely, the dimensions of the hole are moderately critical.  Else you can end up 
with the same problem as with the glued on nut.

In a message dated 12/13/2008 10:28:26 AM Central Standard Time, 
ranickel at comcast.net writes: 
> Kim Herron wrote:
> >The more difficult fix (ant probably better ) is to use threaded 
> >inserts in the holes.  You need the special tool to install the 
> >inserts and then you've got to use machine screws.  The kind of insert 
> >I'm talking about is found in Collins gear and there about 5 or 6 
> >different systems out there to do just this kind of repair.
> The original manufacturer of clinch nuts was Penn Engineering, and their 
> trade name was "Pem nuts".   They do require an arbor press or something 
> similar (a drill press should work) to press the nuts into the sheet 
> metal.   You can see a variety of styles by searching "Pem style nuts" 
> at http://www.mcmaster.com/    They're about 7 bucks for a package of 50.
> 

Robert & Susan Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480
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