cross-threaded hole

[angler]

I cross threaded a hole in the lower triple this afternoon.  It is one of the holes that holds the headlight bracket.

Would it be better to fix the problem with a thread chaser or VERY carefully with a tap?

Thanks

[cduarte]

I'd use a tap.

[TAftonomos]

Go to a M6 sized thread/tap.   

[Popeye the Sailor]

I'd use a tap.

+1

[angler]

What pitch?  M5x.8 and M6x1.0?

[Speeddog]

It's an M6x1.0.

[dlearl476]

In a non-critical application like that, I've had good luck with lock-tite thread repair.   Use a tap and clean up the threads, blow it out with solvent and compressed air, then use the kit.  DON'T forget the release agent on the bolt.

[Porsche Monkey]

Thread chasers are worthless when you have a good tap set.

[Langanobob]

Just be real careful when using a tap.  Get it perfectly straight and make sure you're engaged in the original and correct threads.  Taps cut aluminum pretty easy and you can do some damage with them in already cross-threaded holes.  The tap should turn real easy.  If it has much resistance it means you're probably cutting threads where threads don't belong, i.e., cutting away the high points of the original threads.

The odds of doing damage are probably less with a thread chaser but I've never used one myself so can't comment.  I have done damage with taps so I can comment on them 

[NAKID]

I hate those holes. They never seem to line up...

[angler]

I hate those holes. They never seem to line up...

You're telling me.  I knew how soft that aluminum was and checked alignment repeatedly and still cross threaded it, with just fingers no less.....

[angler]

Thanks all.  I bought a $5 tap at Sears and carefully cleaned up the threads. Triple checked the alignment this time and everything went together fine.

[woodyracing]

ya'll call it cross threading, I call it redneck loctite!