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“Blunting” screw threads?

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 6:26 pm
by Schnoff
I have a Steelworxx device that secures with a threaded bolt through the PA, and it’s not working great for me. The screw portion of the bolt has rather sharp threads, which irritate my tissue going in and out. On the one hand, that sounds like a design issue. On the other hand, maybe I can do something about it.

So to the people amongst us who understand metalwork - looking at you, @Tom Allen - I have two questions.
  • Can I just take some sandpaper to the threads, and still have the screw work?
  • What other options can you think of design-wise rather than a standard thread, that wouldn’t irritate or “catch” tissue? What’s Dietmar not thinking of?

Re: “Blunting” screw threads?

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 6:28 am
by Tom Allen
Any way you can post a pic?

Re: “Blunting” screw threads?

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 8:07 am
by Schnoff
Screw1.jpeg
Screw1.jpeg (146.93 KiB) Viewed 2040 times
Screw2.jpeg
Screw2.jpeg (193.69 KiB) Viewed 2040 times

Re: “Blunting” screw threads?

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 12:11 pm
by Tom Allen
Hmm. I'd say that you could get some very fine sandpaper (600 or finer *emory*) and holding a piece in your fingers, twist the threaded section back and forth. Then, take some fine Scotchbrite pad and do the same thing.

The emory paper will remove some of the points on the threads, while the scotchbrite will deform more, and get into the threads, rounding and smoothing them off. Finally, if you have one of those sponges with a fine scouring pad on the back side, twist the threads into that (while soapy) for a few minutes. Then clean thoroughly so you don't end up with grit in your junk.

It looks like those threads are slightly rounded, just not enough. You shouldn't need to worry about taking much material off.

Re: “Blunting” screw threads?

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 11:15 am
by Schnoff
This worked, thank you!

The thing is still way too heavy to wear for more than 2-4 hours, but at least the screw threads are gentler now.