Oh, no - Harman Invincible RS free standing right firebox baffle thumb screw broke off!

[Don2222]

Hello

Has this happened to anyone else?

Normal procedure is to drill out all the threads and re-tap for use with a larger bolt.
This probably would not work since there is not enough meat to do that!

This is what I did.
Drilled out most of the bolt but not all so threads are still there.
Using a DeWalt fractional tap and die, re-tapped the same 1/4 x 20 threads.

New winged bolt from Home Depot screws right in. New Harman wing screws were too short!

Pic 1 - Right baffle thumbscrew now too short.
Pic 2 - Threaded hole in stove fire box right side has the rest of the broken bolt.
Pic 3 - After drilling out most of the broken off bolt with a titanium drill bit, hole is re-tapped.
Pic 4 - New 1.5" threaded thumbscrew from Home Depot
Pic 5 - New thumbscrew now screws right in and holds baffle plate in solid.
Pic 6 - closeup of new wingedscrew

 

[smwilliamson]

Yeah, that's a bummer. Good to keep those lubricated when removing but sometimes there's nothing you can do.

 

[Don2222]

Yeah, that's a bummer. Good to keep those lubricated when removing but sometimes there's nothing you can do.

Good idea Scott. Using light machine oil or PB blaster on them at least once a year. I wire brush the rust off the threads so they go in and out easier too.

 

[Mt Bob]

A nickle compound antiseize would be a better choice.And if problem gets worse(drilled hole badly) you can always install a nut-sert(steel) or other similar product.That stamped unwelded wing top may not last in firebox.

 

[Don2222]

A nickle compound antiseize would be a better choice.And if problem gets worse(drilled hole badly) you can always install a nut-sert(steel) or other similar product.That stamped unwelded wing top may not last in firebox.

Yes, and it is very difficult to put the baffle in and find the hole in back to screw the wing nut into. So I am thinking that if I can get some stainless steel 1/4 x 20 rod or a bolt and cut off the head, then thread the rod in permenantly, it would be much easier to put the bafle in the stove and have the rod stick out and then put a stainless steel wing nut on the rod to holde the baffle in.

 

[Mt Bob]

Might be an idea,except you never put a ss nut on a ss bolt,bad idea.Early integras had 2 studs for the upper plate,with acorn nuts,was done away with and went to allen head bolts,never found a reason.