Cutting threads on handle

[Harold Rohde]

I looked, but may have missed the solution. I am interested in cutting threads on a handle and head of a gavel. I have a gavel that was my grandfather’s from the mid 1950’s and the handle screws into the head. It is probably only about 3/8 in diameter. All of the thread boxes or tap and dies I have found are either 1/2 inch or larger, or are not designed for wood threads. I would prefer to stay away from using a metal thread insert (I guess I just like to do things the hard way).
any suggestions on where to get a thread box or tap and dies for smaller diameters?

 

[Dean Center]

1/2" kits for threading wood seem readily available. Would 1/8" make any difference? Metal cutting tap and die kits are also readily available and go all the way down to itsy bitsy.

 

[John K Jordan]

I think I always used 1/2" for gavels. I bought taps and dies from Woodcraft specifically made for wood.



Also, Amazon carries them:
www.amazon.com/Kings-County-Tools-Two-Handed-Long-Lasting/dp/B00EVB9TGU
I think what I got at Woodcraft was cheaper but I bought the set a LONG time ago.

Or if you get down this way you can use mine!

I watched a guy at the club break the head off his gavel when using it but I don't know what diameter he used. 1/2" has been plenty strong when I use this and others. I'm wondering if 3/8" would be weak unless the wood was hard and strong, something like Dogwod, Guatambu, Ebony, Hickory, Sugar Maple, etc.

JKJ

 

[hughie]

sounds like you may need a threaded insert