Tutorial: Repair stripped threads in Gillette Old Types using Heli-Coil.

Howdy all.

I've had a couple of razors with stripped shafts, and searching for fixes yielded me very little so.....

This thread will outline how to repair stripped threads in your vintage single/double ring, etc. (not just Old Types) razors, using a Heli-Coil 10-32 kit. Being my first time I chose a sacrificial 1919 Single Ring that was somewhat shy of plating, though good shape otherwise, but had almost totally stripped threads in its shaft.

This first pictures show the Heli-Coil kit that I used, from Ebay ($26):



Shaft showing stripped threads:



The first step is to drill out the old threads using a 13/64 bit (not included in kit). I first wrapped the shaft in Duct Tape
to protect it while clamping, etc, then used my drill press to drill out the shaft. I chose to simply hold the shaft with pliers:



The drilled out shaft:

To remove the tang you simply put something into the shaft and break it off. I used a flattened nail. Done! I went from about 1/16” of twisting-in slack (without blade) to about 1/4” (pretty much stock). Far better!

Before:



After:



The insert works very well! Being stainless steel, rust should not be an issue either.

Feel free to ask questions and I will do my best to answer. Now that I have done this once I would certainly do it again.

Btw. Total project time was under an hour. It will be faster next time.

This is not meant to be a way to put these razors back to new stock (though it looks pretty darn close), but rather a way to put them back into rotation! *I should not have put "Old Types" in the title, as this would work on any stripped threaded shafts from any era, but I can't edit the title.*

Save those razors!

Fire away!

Nice post! Thank you for documenting it.

Wow! Thanks so much!

Genius! Thanks for posting the detailed how-to!!!

This is a very valuable post. Thanks for sharing.

Good work!

Thanks guys! I hope this helps return some razors to useful condition.

I'm gathering up my pictures and notes for a Repairing-Cracked-Handles thread, next.

Pinan said:

Thanks guys! I hope this helps return some razors to useful condition.

I'm gathering up my pictures and notes for a Repairing-Cracked-Handles thread, next.

Click to expand...

Oh really? can't wait for that one!!

Wow! Very nice done!

Thank you for taking the initiative of performing/recording your repair.

You have been "Bookmarked"

As a mechanic i have used helicoils a lot and they work really well. To clamp in the vise I made two thin boards with magnets to protect anything I clamp to not be damaged by the knurled teeth on the vise. You can usually find a nice assortment of helicoils at local autoparts stores.

Simple and effective solution! The best kind. What are the new threads made of? Will rust be a potential problem?

GolFisHunt said:

What are the new threads made of? Will rust be a potential problem?

Click to expand...

The inserts are made from stainless steel, so rust should not be an issue!

Lefty634: I'd normally use wood to clamp them as well. Took a quickie root this time. The Duct Tape was really thick and protected the shaft well though. Thanks for the note!

Pinan said:

I'm gathering up my pictures and notes for a Repairing-Cracked-Handles thread, next.

Click to expand...

Badger Bill said:

Oh really? can't wait for that one!!

Click to expand...

Yup. Should be this weekend.

Done!: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...cked-handles-shafts-in-Gillette-Old-Types-etc

Great Pictures.

Another great guide. Thanks, Pinan!

Nice post, thanks for sharing your repair.