Fixing stripped screws/holes in EF2 exhaust blower housing

[bcarton]

I removed the blower to clean it last week, and found that a couple of the screws are not gripping into the housing real well. Has anyone ever drilled and tapped one of those housing to the next size screw? Any advice or warnings about doing so?

I intend to replace the blower within the next few weeks. I'd rather not get into replacing the housing, as it looks like a knuckle-cracker of a job.

Thanks in advance!

 

[johneh]

The housing is to thin to tap .
Use the next size up tech screw or self tapping screw
Which ever works better for you

 

[nailed_nailer]

Just go up a size on your screw. Not sure what the originals are #6, #8 , or #10. I'd guess about a #8.

Any hardware store will carry what you need
Here is whats normally available.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#tapping-screws/=zetc1c

Don't forget to have a replacement gasket on hand in case you cant re-use the old one.

Good Luck.
---Nailer---

 

[bcarton]

Thanks guys. I do have a couple gaskets on hand. The original screws are a 6, and I bought both 6 and 8 stainless screws at the local hardware store today. The old screws seem like they may be the problem, newer ones have a bit wider thread. If they don't work, I'll go upto the 8's.

 

[bcarton]

Update - the #8 self-tapping screws did the trick - thanks! The blower is now more securely mounted than it has been since I've owned the stove. As a plus, I tried setting the damper last night with the magnehelicalometer, and can get an almost factory spec reading for the first time. Definitely close enough. In celebration, I managed to get the house up to 80 degrees by the time I dragged out of bed this morning.

 

[nailed_nailer]

Glad to hear.

Heat is good!

---Nailer---

 

[PelletPirate]

I would just get a nut that matched the screw. This way you don't need to make bigger holes.