Subject: Re: Stripped Dropout Posted by: Al on December 10, 2005 at 08:31:28: In Reply to: Re: Stripped Dropout posted by Yeti on December 07, 2005 at 09:04:07:

Message: >>>>>Is it possible to fix a stripped out dropout? >>>>Sorry, I meant to say the hole where the derailleur is fastened to the dropout is stripped. How would I go about fixing that? >>>I believe Wheels Manufacturing (?) makes a threaded "plug" which you can insert into an ENLARGED (i.e., drilled out) derailleur hanger. >>>This can be a DIY project if you are mechanically handy; or, you can have your bike shop do it for the cost of parts (under $20) & labor ($_?_). >>Some shops can also hela-coil the hanger. It's actually stronger than the original threads. >Hela-coil? I've never heard of this. Is this expensive? >Can most bike shops do this? Yes, most bike shops CAN do this ... but, many-if-not-all will try to sell you a new frame OR bike. The "hela-coil" is, as the name suggests, a spring-like insert -- Shimano uses them in their braze-on front derailleurs -- it is a manufacturing expedient which has pluses & minuses. There are two problems that I can think of with regard to the hela-coil: * while it is inexpensive, I believe it has to be bought in a sizeable quantity. * installation requires MORE precision ... I believe that the receiving hole that is drilled/filed must be slightly conical to prevent it from screwing beyond where you (the rider or shop) want it to turn otherwise it will further strip out the derailleur hanger. If you have a 10x6 (?) metric tap, a round/rat-tail file, some brass sheet (go to a hobby shop and buy a narrow "strip" of brass stock), and some silver solder AND if you are mechanically handy, you can probably "fix" the derailleur hanger, yourself.