# Bad wrench **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** ford, f150\ **Created:** [May 20, 2017, 5:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130 "2017-05-20T05:25:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Momoh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@Momoh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Momoh)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 5:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/1 "2017-05-20T05:25:08Z")
The person I paid to replace the starter, made a mess of it. Cross threaded the top bolt. The next guy I hired showed up once and pointed out what the first guy done, and he has not returned. Since then I watched the YouTube tutorial, it seems like a hard but not impossible fix, but now that it has been cross threaded, I’m not sure? ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 6:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/2 "2017-05-20T06:08:24Z")
So what happens when you try and start your truck? ---
**Author:** ![Momoh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@Momoh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Momoh)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 6:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/3 "2017-05-20T06:37:59Z")
The starter is not engaging, and the second guy handed me a bolt with the metal in the threads ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 7:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/4 "2017-05-20T07:15:31Z")
A helicoil might work,for long enough ---
**Author:** ![Yosemite](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/yosemite/32/643_2.png) [@Yosemite](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Yosemite)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 2:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/5 "2017-05-20T14:22:59Z")
If the second mechanic already removed the bad bolt, why not remove the other bolt to drop the starter and take it to any auto parts store and they will test the starter. If you do this, be sure to remove the negative battery cable from the battery, so you dont short out the system. While the starter is out you should be able to run a tap through that bad hole and cut hew threads. Yosemite ---
**Author:** ![Momoh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@Momoh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Momoh)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 7:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/6 "2017-05-20T19:28:10Z")
The bolt hole is in a really awkward place ---
**Author:** ![Momoh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@Momoh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Momoh)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 7:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/7 "2017-05-20T19:28:49Z")
Have you used these? ---
**Author:** ![kurtwm1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/13edae/32.png) [@kurtwm1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kurtwm1)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 10:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/8 "2017-05-20T22:09:12Z")
I have used a Helicoil some time ago to fix a stripped caliper bolt hole. It does work as advertised. Just make sure you purchase the correct size kit. It is relatively easy to use, provided you have easy access to the stripped hole. In your case I would think it it rather complicate given the limited access. You may have to use a wrench, instead of a drill to turn the tab. I actually found it easier to use a wrench because it gave me a better feel/feedback as I turned the tab. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 10:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/9 "2017-05-20T22:17:41Z")
If the OP is unable to turn the tap with a drill because of limited access, how does the OP drill the hole so it can be re-tapped? Tester ---
**Author:** ![kurtwm1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/13edae/32.png) [@kurtwm1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kurtwm1)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 10:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/10 "2017-05-20T22:35:59Z")
good point… Edit: Perhaps an Angle Drill Attachment would help if there is sufficient space. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 10:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/11 "2017-05-20T22:59:56Z")
You mean something like this? ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/2X/7/70c91d46935278515518a1042780fc3af752d8f2.jpg) Well, if there’s access to the hole to drill it with this tool, couldn’t it be used to re-tap the hole with same tool and a drill? Tester ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 11:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/12 "2017-05-20T23:30:13Z")
That problem can probably be fixed without much trouble, but it is probably not something you want to try yourself. Take your car to the local auto-machine shop and ask them. They have the needed experience and tools so It’ll probably be a simple 20 minute job for them to fix. BTW … you’ve learned your lesson about that first repair shop, right? Find a better one. ---
**Author:** ![kurtwm1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/13edae/32.png) [@kurtwm1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kurtwm1)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2017, 11:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/13 "2017-05-20T23:41:03Z")
yup, something like this. With the starter removed it should be possible to fit this thing into the space. It’s still not an easy job, but maybe doable. It’s a cheap try, considering those things only costs $25-$40. Edit: When I prepared the stripped caliper bolt hole I didn’t even try to use a drill to tap the hole. I seen some guy once use a drill, but I felt more comfortable using a wrench and make slow progress, but a perfect thread. It doesn’t take much to overpower the drill and mess up that hole even more. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2017, 1:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/14 "2017-05-22T01:55:06Z")
Angle drills are invaluable. I use mine a lot. [https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=right+angle+drill+harbor+freight&qpvt=right+angle+drill+harbor+freight&qpvt=right+angle+drill+harbor+freight&qpvt=right+angle+drill+harbor+freight&FORM=IGRE](https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=right+angle+drill+harbor+freight&qpvt=right+angle+drill+harbor+freight&qpvt=right+angle+drill+harbor+freight&qpvt=right+angle+drill+harbor+freight&FORM=IGRE) This tool is really good for things like running a tap in a tight space once the hole is drilled. I use this one often too. This one shows a hex mandrel, but they can be purchased with a round or square mandrel too. Adapters are also available. ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/2X/a/a02eaefcae5f8b27b58df7e401293715f474b42d.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Rod-Knox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2017, 2:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-wrench/104130/15 "2017-05-22T02:24:07Z")
I have ground the hex on a bolt down enough to allow inserting it through the back of the bell housing and then fastening the starter with a nut. The result was more secure than using a helicoil.