Is it possible to fix the threads on a screw

[touringcamry]

Well, the screw in this case is the threaded end of a strut and it would suck to have to replace the strut because the threads are stripped and I don't know if they can be purchased individually yet. The threads are pretty messed up.

The strut mount is basically destroyed, so that is going to be replaced with a new one.

From searching the Internet, I found that a stripped out hole can by fixed by fixed by enlarging the hole and then using a helicoil, but I cannot find anything about fixing threads on a screw - or a strut in my case.

[thoughthard]

Not sure if this is ideal, or safe, but...

Weld all around the strut shaft, grind/file off material to the desired diameter, tap new threads.

Just how I would think of fixing it. Pry not right/safe/ideal...

[Pineapple]

After welding the material will be too hard to cut. Replace the strut and replace both side if they're pretty old.

[touringcamry]

Damn that blows...the strut has only been on the car for about 3 months.

Not sure yet if I can even get one strut because the setup comes as a set for all 4 corners and the springs are shaped so they don't work with OE struts.

[DCM]

Have you taken it to a machine shop to see if they can fix it? (ie. Weld, turn down in a lathe, then rethread.)

[touringcamry]

What is a machine shop? Can I find one by looking for "Machine shop" in the yellow pages?

[Tommy]

never heard of fixing the threads, but if anyone would know, it would be a machine shop. If you can find a place that does welding, call them and they could probably give you the info you need.

Look up metal fabrication, sure you can find something.

[Pineapple]

I'm mechanical engineer working in machine and fab shop.

Can't fix that. You can probably cut it down to a smaller size thread but highly not recommended. A shop can make you a new rod if you can pull it out. If you can also put it back with pressurized nitrogen gas. Welding it without pulling it out will result in harden and very brittle thread. You can heat it up and cool it down slowly to remove the hardening. Only if the heating not gonna kill the oil and seals inside. All this will cost more then the strut at $60/hr.
Now the whole thing was damaged simply due to failing to tighten the top nut. If you did it yourself, kick yourself and go buy new strut. If a shop did that, go back and demand replacement.

[xsvtoyz]

well you did not say how bad the threads were damaged if the damage is not too bad you should be able to go to the local parts store and get a die this is like a cutting nut that straightens out the old threads. Its a very common occurance to flatten or skin the threads and the nut will not go on properly. You can also find most competant shops will have a "tap and die" set. if it is severly damaged then I wish you Good luck. Hope this helps.

[touringcamry]

The threads are completely gone, not just flattened. They are worn or ground away on about 1/5 the circumference. That area is just flat.

If you were to take a bolt, set it in a vice with head sideways, then take an angle grinder to the surface facing up until that area was flat...that is the kind of damage I'm looking at right now.

[xsvtoyz]

I would still take it to a local shop and ask if they think it can be chased with a die
good luck