the_dylan•22d agoMost Upvoted

Debate: Should we use helicoil kits on stripped screw holes or just replace the whole part?

I had a Canon AE-1 last week where the bottom plate screw hole was completely stripped. Guy at the bench said to just put a helicoil in it and call it a day, but I'm on the side of replacing the plate since it's only $15. Three years ago I helicoiled a Pentax K1000 and it held up fine, but I still wonder if it weakens the frame over time. What do you all do when you run into stripped threads on a '70s era body?

3 comments

3 Comments

xena_brown5022d agoTop Commenter

Made the mistake of helicoiling a Canon FTb once and the frame started flexing weird after a few hundred shots. Your mileage may vary but I'd just spend the $15 and sleep better at night.

james_singh722d ago

@xena_brown50 i helicoiled mine and its been fine for years lol

wyattrobinson14d ago

Yeah, "your mileage may vary" is the key part there @xena_brown50. I've seen this kind of thing pop up in so many hobbies. It's like the whole "works for me so it must be bulletproof" mindset. People get one good experience with a hack and then act like everyone else is doing it wrong. Meanwhile the real world is just full of little differences in materials, wear, and luck. It's the same with cheap bike parts or bargain tools. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you end up with a broken frame or a stripped bolt. Spending a few extra bucks upfront is usually the smarter move in the long run.

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