Help! Hole that Screw goes into is Stripped

[Bass n’ Trout]

Hello. I just took my reel apart for matinance because the gears sounded a little loud from the grease coming off. When I took the plate off and unscrewed everything it was fine, but when I put it back on and tried to screw one of the screws in it wouldn’t screw in. The screw’s threads seem fine, so I think it is in the whole it goes into. It is a Shimano casitas and the frame is graphite which probably made it easier to strip. Is there any way to fix the problem without buying a whole new frame? Can I fill the hole with some time of epoxy or glue with the screw in there to maybe re thread it? Thanks. I really like this reel so I would appreciate any adivice. 

[Fishinthefish]

I've had to glue a screw in before, make sure you look up something that desolves well with an rubbing alcohol otherwise you'll never get it out. I don't remember what I used, some type of super glue was what I do remember. I know other people have put glue into the hole and ran the screw into it creating new threads. The same problem still exists the next time you take it apart as far as stripping it out and possibly needing to desolve the glue that is in the way. I have nothing else to offer in terms of ordering the actual new frame. You may want to call Mike at DVT. He's hands down the best of the best and in my experience has never had an issue talking through issues and how to resolve them.

[Ratherbfishing]

Are you SURE you are using the correct fastener?  It's easy, when grabbing loose parts to use one (which works) but then the remaining (wrong) one for the last application, won't.  If this makes any sense.  USUALLY stripped threads become obvious by the user-such as cross-threading, using too much force to turn the screw and then..."crums!" 

 

I don't know what you are securing onto what but usually the covers are held firmly in place  (by a screw and a metal post) rather than itself actually being screwed INTO.  Graphite is rarely used for securing screws.

[J Francho]

Try Loctite Blue, and see of it grabs enough.

[Deleted account]

Yeah, graphite (or plastic) threads are easy to strip with too much torque. First, make sure that you have the right screw, on some models they are different lengths and can seem stripped when they aren't. The repair isn't too difficult, but requires a bit of experience. You want to fill the hole and retap. I doubt you (or most home reel disassemblers) have a set of tiny taps, but fortunatelly, you don't need them. Fill the hole with something like bondo or 4200, clean off the excess well. Let it dry for a few minutes, coat the screw with silicone lube (Vaseline or other lubes will work in a pinch). screw in the screw, and let dry overnight. Remove the screw, clean the area and screw and reassemble. The timing can get a little tricky, but you can always redo if needed. A temporary, on the fly fix, just brake a tooth pick in there and torque lightly. We normally do these type of repairs on carbon fiber bicycle components with larger fittings, but I've done it on graphite salt water reels, as well as BCs, and it works great. Of course, a new frame works too.

[Bass n’ Trout]

Thanks guys. I’m usually good about putting things back the same way so I assumed that they were all the right screws but it turns out that two were mixed up. I’m not sure if I was the one or if Shimano’s matinance workers mixed it up last time I took it in. It still doesn’t screw in even with the right one but thankfully the other screw I mixed it up with is fine. I’m going to try your guys’ tactics and get back to you. Thanks for all of the feedback

By the way, do you guys get this problem with an aluminum frame?

[J Francho]

1 hour ago, Bass n’ Trout said:

By the way, do you guys get this problem with an aluminum frame?

I don't, but I've seen reels with cross threading and other issues.

[DINK WHISPERER]

I've stepped up to a slightly thicker screw before when this happened. 

[Bass n’ Trout]

Thx guys. I disassembled the reel and took off the plate on the handle side and found the hole that the screw goes into. I filled it with super glue and put the screw inside with some oil on it in effort to not let it bond with the super glue. After about 45 minutes I unscrewed the screw from the super glue. Then I put plate back on and screwed in the other screws and finally it was the moment of truth. I turned the screw driver and supprisingly the super glue held the new threads I made super well and the screw firmly went right into place. Now the graphite plate is held firmly and I’m ready to fish. Thank you guys so much!

[MassYak85]

I have never stripped the hole but I have nearly stripped the head on reels where they put in the screws super tight from the factory for whatever reason and decided to use phillips-only heads instead of the ones that also accept flatheads. Definitely one of my pet-peeves when taking apart reels (second only to putting those springs back in). 

[TylerT123]

I’d make sure it’s not cross threading, if it isn’t then I’d look to see how much it’s cost to fix it if it’s a newer reel. If it’s older and won’t need to be cleaned again then I’d epoxy it. If you epoxy it then be prepared to buy a new frame if you want to open it ever again. 

[WRB]

Putting super glue into a graphite expozy stripped threaded hole isn't a good idea unless you know what the polymer is and the 2 are compatible. I am surprised Shimano doesn't use a metal molded in thread insert.

You could also re tap /thread the stripped hole and use a Heli-Coil insert to save the frame.

Tom