Ground Zero

My Feedback: (6)

I need to fabricate some long 4-40 control rods for my H9 P-51 150 Mustang. The 2-56 stuff will not do. I found some unthreaded rod at my LHS and need a good 4-40 die. I tried a cheap on, but the die was a piece of $#@*. I would really like to find a set of small standard and metric dies. Good taps are easy to find, and I already have a nice tap/die set, just not one that goes this small. Anyone know where to find one?

Mike

ChuckAuger

My Feedback: (12)

The problem isn't the die..it's the rod. The 4-40 rods you buy have the threads rolled on them. You'll have to get a larger rod like a 1/8" Tig rod and thread it. A lot of guys run a 5-40 die over it first, then the 4-40 since it's a little tight if you try to use the 4-40 straight off.

Tall Paul

The straight steel rod at the LHS isn't suitable for using a die to thread it.
It's hardened steel, and will destroy any die!
There is 4-40 threaded rods available at the LHS, similar to the 2-56 stuff.
Thread TIG rod might work, but the threads will be sharp, and susceptible to "stress risees".
I'd go with the rolled stuff.

Rodney

You can buy good dies at most hardware stores. You do need the proper sized rods though as mentioned above. I dissagree on one comment above; in my experience, rolled threads are far inferior to properly cut threads made with a good die on a proper sized rod. The rolled threads are sloppy and will quickly create wear if there is any vibration present at all. I've seen many clevises (metal clevis on metal rods) wear so bad you can pull the clevis right off the rod.

dr_wogz

My Feedback: (3)

Some good hardware stores have 3' lenths of 4-40 threaded rod. that might be the best way to go.. Or at least they can order it...