Just fixed a stripped pedal thread on a customer's old mountain bike

Had a guy bring in a 90s Trek 930 last week, left pedal was totally loose. The crank arm threads were stripped, which is a real pain (you know, the kind of job you hope you don't see on a Friday afternoon). I used a Time-Sert kit, which is basically a solid steel insert you thread in, and it took about an hour start to finish. The customer was super happy he didn't need a whole new crank. Anyone have a different go-to method for this, or is the helicoil versus solid insert debate still going strong?

3 comments

3 Comments

emery_black1mo ago

Time-Serts are the BEST for that, way more solid than a helicoil for pedal threads.

pat_fisher241mo ago

Totally agree, those solid inserts are a lifesaver. My first attempt at a repair was with a helicoil and let's just say it didn't end well for me or the crank. Learned the hard way that my ham-fisted technique needs all the help it can get from a tougher insert.

the_amy1mo agoMost Upvoted

Ever had to fix a crank arm that was totally stripped? I used a Time-Sert on an old Shimano crank last year and it was a total game changer. The solid steel insert feels like it's part of the original metal, not just a springy coil. It's still holding perfect after a full season of hard riding.