Stripped out plastic *Help*

[PDX-BC]

Not sure if this is me being a total noob, but I've got a problem, see multiple options to fix it, and don't know what is best. I'm also sure that there are more options out there that I'm not thinking of, and I'd love to hear them as well.

I have a few screws that will not tight down on my rig. Obviously this is a problem when bashing around. All of the screws, screw into plastic (otherwise they'd be loctited). So the question as I see it is, what is the best way to over come the plastic stripping so the screws will get snug?

Like I said, I see a few options; these are all listed below.
1) Use loctite on these screws even though they are not going into metal.
--I have the standard blue loctite and have been told to NOT use it on plastic.
2) Use a then CA glue like I would a loctite.
3) Use longer screws.
--I don't think this would work on my rear axle or on the dif housing.

Is there something I'm missing? Is there a better way that I can't think of?

Please help me out here, I can't justify a new axle only because 2 screws will not lighten down.

THANK!

 

[allanon1965]

Beef tubes...... Use the search function and you will find the vendor on here that sells them.

 

[PDX-BC]

Thanks for the reply, looked into Beef tubes but that doesn't solve the problem.

The axle (AX31044) is just fine except for these two screws won't tighten. The actual axle housing is striped it's original thread.

My goal is not need to purchase a new housing just because of these two screws.

 

[C*H*U*D]

Where do the screws go and which screws are you using? I see M3 screws being used all the time in plastic, but they really are not meant for this. Is that what you are trying to do?

Pics are always good.

 

[QuesoDelDiablo]

Option #2, CA as loctite when screws go into plastic.

And/or a larger diameter screw.

Make sure you're using coarse thread and not fine thread in plastic.

I've heard some people have had good results by inserting small pieces of plastic to shim the hole before reinserting the screw with CA but I've never needed to do that.

 

[CODYBOY]

I use these ; McMaster-Carr.

 

[Reflektr]

Sounds like you may be using fine thread metric screws where coarse thread is required...


If you are in fact using coarse thread screws - What I've done before to get me out of a pickle, was poke the end of a toothpick in the hole and clip it off. Then your little coarse thread screw will have something to bite on. Is it a permanent fix? No... But it will get you out of a bind.

 

[Robbob]

Loctite doesn't usually like plastic.

 

[ROCKCRUISER]

Use a two part plastic epoxy, (made for plastic) put some in the threaded hole, (don't fill it to the top unless you want some to run out). Then put the screw and or part back together. Then allow to cure. 24 hours most of the time.
Understand this will never come back apart without breaking it apart.

Also they do make a waterproof epoxy if needed."thumbsup"

 

[PDX-BC]

Thank you all for the help here. Very much appreciated.


The truck is a Yeti XL rtr. From the factory it has fine thread screws throughout the whole rig. -I thought this was different than what I knew from years ago when I had a 1/10scale nitro.

I think I'll use the CA glue to resolve the screw problem.

 

[JOEY_P]

He's right... Brass inserts are the only way to go. You'll need a 5/32" drill bit to open up the hole to accept the insert..

I use these ; McMaster-Carr.

 

[TacoCrawler]

Beef Tubes or AsiaTees/BoomRacing's Kronic tubes
are the best fix and thread bite retaining the C hubs.
They will require using 3mm machine screws.
^ note:
don't use machine screws that are too long
or they will hit the axle shafts, causing axle bind, when seated fully.

Speaking of 3mm machine screws...
if you haven't already replaced the original wood looking screws.
Often you can switch to the 3mm machine screws
and those will thread in tighter then did the originals.

I do not recommend using Locktite...
because it does not work well with many plastics.

Instead...
I would swap out to the 3mm machined thread screws...
and I would use a small drop of CA on those threads
in the same manner that locktite would be used normally.

Now metal threading into metal...
yeah blue locktite always.

 

[JeepinDoug]

You can use the same idea for installing new hinges for cabinet doors in wood.
Insert toothpicks in the wood to take up room for a screw.

So in this case, drill into a scrap piece of plastic with a small drill and catch the chips. Insert the chip in the hole or wrap it around the screw to be used. It works well as a bandaid until you buy a new piece to replace.

 

[Robbob]

You can use the same idea for installing new hinges for cabinet doors in wood.
Insert toothpicks in the wood to take up room for a screw.

So in this case, drill into a scrap piece of plastic with a small drill and catch the chips. Insert the chip in the hole or wrap it around the screw to be used. It works well as a bandaid until you buy a new piece to replace.

Plastiguage from a auto parts store too ;-)