Nuts and bolts and even screws can only fasten well when their threads are clean, clear and precisely cut. If you find that you have a lot of fasteners that slip through their nuts or turn loosely around in the objects they are supposed to hold together, do not get mad and throw these fasteners out. Instead, learn to re-thread these seemingly stripped fasteners. You will save yourself a lot of money and frustration by re-threading, and it is not a difficult process to learn.

First, Invest in a Re-Threading Kit

There are threading kits and re-threading kits. Do not confuse a re-threading kit for a threading kit! Although they do very similar things, using a threading lug to "fix" a nut or bolt will only recut the threads and make the bolt or nut looser than it already is. Using a re-threading lug will clear the debris from in between the grooves of the bolt or nut and sharpen the edges of the threads for a tighter, more secure grip. There are also tools in each kit to recut or re-thread screws, but again, you have to be careful with which kit you use or the screws could end up smaller in diameter and unable to join two of anything together properly.

Next, Select the Correct Lug/Head for the Job

When you open your re-threading kit you will see what looks like several bolts and nuts. These are actually your re-threading tools. Some home mechanics refer to them as "heads" while others call these tools "lugs." The bolt-like tools are used to re-thread nuts, and the nut-like tools re-thread bolts. The other tools you see in the kit are for re-threading screws and tightening the tools to make sure they have made their way all the way around the nuts and bolts you are trying to fix. All of these tools are listed by size in the box, either by millimeters or by inches. Select the tool that corresponds with the size of bolt, nut or screw you are re-threading.

Finally, Twist the Tools All the Way Around the Stripped Fastener(s)

Since a bolt does not stop halfway up nor does a nut screw on three-quarters of the way, your re-threading tools should not do half their job either. With a little spray lubricant lightly squirted onto the bolt, nut or screw, twist the tool all the way up to the point where the smooth surface of the fastener meets the threads. (Inside a nut, the tool should screw all the way through until the nut meets the stopping point on the tool.) Unscrew the tool and test the fastener with a brand-new nut or bolt. If the repaired/re-threaded item glides through a brand-new counterpart easily and remains tightly secure, congratulations! You have successfully re-threaded your stripped fastener. Repeat as needed for your other dysfunctional fasteners.

Visit local hardware stores like McFadden-Dale Industrial Hardware for all your nuts and bolts needs.