I decided to cast some bullets this afternoon, wanted some more 230 gr. RN, so out comes the Lee 6 cavity mold. I noticed that the bolt that attaches the sprue plate being too loose and got out a box end wrench to tighten it.

Problem is the threads are stripped yet again. I had Lee replace this 2x before with the same problem.

My question to all is, would it be wise or possible to drill out the stripped threads and install a steel helicoil with a set screw to rectify this?

The mold is still casting perfect bullets so there is no problem there....

Dumb idea or not?

Randy

GREAT IDEA!!! Wish I thought of that years ago! I threw away a 9mm six cavity mould.

Ivan

It might work but with their soft aluminum it might expand enough that heated it would not hold. If it is useless now, you have nothing to loose.

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Front sight and squeeze

You’d have to drill through the HeliCoil for the set screw. I don’t know how that would go. Lee should have put a set screw from the factory

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I told you not to use Lifebuoy

Or drill out the stripped threads and the bolt hole in the sprue plate then rethread for slightly larger bolt.

That way you could install a grub screw without the issue of drilling through the heli coil.

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View from down under

I would do it. Maybe you could get by without the set screw. Just watch it and keep a wrench handy when casting.

If I do this, would it be wise to use LocTite Stud and Bearing (Red) to anchor the helicoil? Will it stand up to the heat of casting? If not, is there another product that would be better suited?

Randy

Or drill a hole prep to the spru plate screw & put a set screw in like most mold makers do. Lee makes an ok product for the $$, but there better molds for the avid caster.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Helicoil or Ez-Lok is the best way. You will not be be able to drill and tap a set screw due to hardness of insert. You could always drill and tap for a larger steel bolt (softer steel not grade 8) or all thread all the way through and re tap it. Red Lok Tite will burn off and I don't know if there is a better choice. Give a shout this weekend.

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Steve
The Lounge Rant Master

With the screw out get some strands of copper wire and insert into the hole and install the screw. You need a metal waffle washer on top under the screw head. You also can drill a hole into the side with the screw out and install a set screw to hold the original screw in place for support like a Lyman. It is aluminum so you can use a sheet metal screw.

I have used the strands of #0000 steel wool wrapped around the bolts of two double cavity Lee moulds and to my great surprise the bolts stopped loosening up ....before that every three cast had me tightening the bolts back up ...But the threads were not stripped so I'm not sure if it will work ...but what do you have to loose...a few strands of Chore Boy or 0000 steel wool ?
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member