Whisky Fork eyelets not threading in - Solved

[pncguy]

I have a Whisky No. 7 RD+ fork that I want to put fenders on. The eyelets are supposed to be M5-0.8, which is pretty close to 10-32. The eyelets themselves don't seem to want to thread at all, while a 10-32 bolt I have does seem to want to grab the thread, but it doesn't turn after this (and, no, I haven't tried to force it.) The fork itself is unpainted, so that's not the problem.

Anyone have experience putting the eyelets into a Whisky fork? I'm hesitant to force any threads, and really nervous about trying a tap in it. I had one suggestion to try an M4 thread to see if it starts, at least.

UPDATE: First prize goes to first responder - problem solved with a lubricated tap. Felt like a little more effort than just "chasing" but the M5 eyelets thread right in now. Thanks for all the suggestions!

[eBAUMANN]

so you tried M5 bolts and they dont work?
have you tried a few bolts from different sources?
are they new bolts or used?
do the threads on the bolts or fork look damaged?
contact whisky to verify the thread spec?
try tapping the threads to clear out any possible oddness?

just some ideas...i have no experience with this exact situation.

good luck!

[pncguy]

Thanks. Good clarifying questions...

Originally Posted by eBAUMANN

so you tried M5 bolts and they dont work?
have you tried a few bolts from different sources?
are they new bolts or used?
do the threads on the bolts or fork look damaged?
contact whisky to verify the thread spec?
try tapping the threads to clear out any possible oddness?

just some ideas...i have no experience with this exact situation.

good luck!

Yes, the bolts provided with the fork don't work. M5-0.8 bolts purchased new do the same.

I have not tried more than these two, but will.

Both new bolts.

No damage apparent.

Whisky suggested that bottle cage bolts are also M5, so I should try that to make sure the eyelets aren't bad. Then they recommended checking with my LBS to try, and maybe tap. (So, no, haven't tried a tap yet.)

[cp43]

I've had threads (not on Whisky products, though) that were filled with over sprayed powder coat to such an extend that I couldn't get a bolt in. Chasing with a tap was an easy fix.

Chris

[R3awak3n]

I have one but have not used the bolts yet, I don't have the bolts with me but I am going home in a week and can check for ya if no one else here has.

[lhuerta]

TAP M5 x 0.8. .... in the old days when we built bikes, cleaning and sometimes re-cutting threads was a must for every fresh build. Pretend that u live in the old days....

[David Kirk]

What the others have said is the ticket - there's paint in the threads. A tap will clean is out toot sweet.

dave

[eddief]

sells those forks. I asked them a Q via email and they responded. It was about that fork but not that issue.

Don't screw up that $400 beauty.

Originally Posted by pncguy

I have a Whisky No. 7 RD+ fork that I want to put fenders on. The eyelets are supposed to be M5-0.8, which is pretty close to 10-32. The eyelets themselves don't seem to want to thread at all, while a 10-32 bolt I have does seem to want to grab the thread, but it doesn't turn after this (and, no, I haven't tried to force it.) The fork itself is unpainted, so that's not the problem.

Anyone have experience putting the eyelets into a Whisky fork? I'm hesitant to force any threads, and really nervous about trying a tap in it. I had one suggestion to try an M4 thread to see if it starts, at least.

[eddief]

did not see your post mentioning you'd been in contact with QBP.

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by David Kirk

What the others have said is the ticket - there's paint in the threads. A tap will clean is out toot sweet.

dave

he did not mention the fork was painted though

[ColonelJLloyd]

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

he did not mention the fork was painted though

Yeah, unless it's custom painted or an All-City fork then it's matte black carbon. Not sure if they have a clear coat or not.

I wouldn't hesitate to chase the threads with a sharp, lubricated tap. Everyone who wrenches on bikes needs an M5x.8 tap.

[Frankwurst]

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

I wouldn't hesitate to chase the threads with a sharp, lubricated tap. Everyone who wrenches on bikes needs an M5x.8 tap.

I'd do the same. I've run into the same problem thinking it all looked and should be good but a little bit of gooter can be tough to detect and a sharp, lubricated tap can make it all good. If you don't have the tap, buy one. They aren't expensive and you'll use it again sooner or later even if that's not the cure for your fork. I would try different bolts as well. I've had one not go an tried another and it worked fine.There again bolts are like anything else. There are high quality and then there are all the others

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

Yeah, unless it's custom painted or an All-City fork then it's matte black carbon. Not sure if they have a clear coat or not.

I wouldn't hesitate to chase the threads with a sharp, lubricated tap. Everyone who wrenches on bikes needs an M5x.8 tap.

not clear coated

[pncguy]

As edited above, problem solved with a lubricated tap. Thanks for the help!