Stripped a bottom bracket shell trying to chase threads - what a mess

I was working on a 2005 Trek hybrid last week, swapping out the old Shimano square taper for a new cartridge. The non-drive side threads looked rough so I grabbed my Park Tool thread chaser and went to work. Took about 20 minutes before I realized I was cutting new threads instead of cleaning the old ones, and the cups wouldn't even catch anymore. Had to order a Wheels Manufacturing threadless bottom bracket kit for $45 and now I'm waiting on delivery. Anyone else ever make this mistake with a steel frame?

3 comments

3 Comments

laura_allen26d ago

Cutting new threads instead of cleaning the old ones"... yep, been there. That's an expensive lesson to learn on a steel frame. At least the threadless kit will work though.

mark_price26d ago

@laura_allen I think threadless is actually better even if the old threads were clean, less to deal with.

alice26926d ago

Honestly, "less to deal with" until you snap a tap in there and now you're really dealing with something. I'd rather clean old threads any day than risk a messed up frame.