drilling a threaded hole into a triple clamp

[matchan]

Yes, you read that right!

I need a threaded hole in my lower triple clamp, (track bike) I have no idea how to achieve this! Obviously drilling the hole is reasonably easy, but how to get it threaded to a particular size?

Cheers
Matt

[Six Addict]

Drill it then tap it? Isn't that what it's called? Knowing my record it's prolly not

[6maniac]

Matt - what size bolt is it ?

[matchan]

damn, caught out, I think it's an M4 Ron, but I've not measured it yet.

[6maniac]

Example - 6mm bolt = 5mm drilled hole, then a 6mm tap to thread the hole.

[Ratmick]

Obtain a Drill and Tapping chart and purchase the right size drill bit and tap would be the easiest method.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tap_and_die

Tapping a hole in something and getting it right the first time may be a big ask, especially if the item you're trying it on is expensive or hard to remove. Blind holes are also harder than holes that are tapped right through. In both cases it may be a good idea to test your technique on some offcuts of alloy/whatever. If you have a mate/parent that has done it before it may also be useful to get them to show you how it's done.

If not there are plenty of 'how-to' guides on the net, so have a search on Google or Youtube. It's not difficult, although doing the job on something that is expensive, you only have one of, or something that belongs to someone else is a bit stressful .

A few tips:
* Take it slowly.
* Use the right size tap for the drill and vice versa drill for tap.
* Use lubricant and reverse the threading every quarter to half a turn to break the swarf off.

HTH, Mick

[6maniac]

What Mick said

http://www.csgnetwork.com/screwmetmachtable.html

[6maniac]

Or .... bring it up to Madkaw's and let the Team loose on it !!

[matchan]

thanks Guys, at least I know what it's called now

[MrWasabi]

I'll swap you my trees Matt, mine already have 2 holes drilled out

[badinov]

Matt, I have a tap & die set if you need to borrow one !
You also need to check the "pitch" of the thread

[seiko1]

DO NOT USE OIL AS LUBE ON ALUMINIUM ALLOY!
Lube to be used on alloy must be preferably kero based as std oil has the opposite effect of lubricant.
8 yr's at Alcan taught me something

[matchan]

Matt, I have a tap & die set if you need to borrow one !
You also need to check the "pitch" of the thread

Thanks Bruce, I'll let you know by PM once I'm ready.

Thanks to all for the advice.

Cheers
Matt