When cutting threaded rod, it is quite easy to damage the threads and make them difficult or even impossible to use. But never fear! There are ways to make that cut and preserve those threads. And you can save them with only a few tools and two or three nuts that fit onto that rod. Depending on the tool, you may get some sparks! Make sure you use appropriate safety equipment and do not create sparks around anything flammable.
The first thing I do is measure the rod and figure out where I want to make my cut and mark it.
Step two is to take two of those nuts and put them on the rod. Move them past the cut mark. They should go at least far enough onto the rod to allow either a die cutter or a third nut to be placed on the rod after the cut line. When they are in a good spot, tighten them on each other with a couple of wrenches.
My third step is to take an appropriately sized thread cutter and carefully thread it backward onto the rod. Which side is that? Look closely through the cutter. There is a slight taper. The smallest portion is the most aggressive part of the cutter. It is the back and it goes on first so it will be ready to cut/repair threads as you take it off the cut rod.
If you do not have a thread/die cutter, put a third nut on the rod. This solution does work, but not as well or as easily as a real cutter.
The fourth step is to cut the threaded rod. You can do this with an angle grinder, reciprocating or jig saw with a metal cutting blade, or a hack saw. All of them will cut. The best workout/most swearing will come from the hack saw!
Step five is to grind the sharp edges at the tip of the newly cut rod. Grinding the edges will help make it easier to put the nut on the rod when it is ready for use. You can skip this step but you have to use more patience when putting the nut on. The nut is more likely to jam. Don’t force it. Just back it off and try again.
In step six, using a wrench, grab the nuts that are tightened on each other to secure the rod. Apply a drop of cutting oil to the cut part of the rod. You may then begin turning the cutter to remove it from the rod. When it gets near the cut portion of the rod it will begin to resist. It is now reforming damage on the old threads and making new cuts if the damage was a little more severe. Once that die cutter comes off the rod, grab a fresh nut and test to see how well it will go on and come off the threaded rod.
If you didn’t have the cutter and are using the nut, you will probably need a second wrench when that nut gets to the cut area. Spin it off and use the wrench if needed.
If the new nut has no problems spinning on or off the threaded rod, step eight is to loosen the two nuts you originally tightened on each other and then remove them from the rod.
Your newly cut threaded rod is now ready to be put in service.
To see a video of this process in action, click here or on the image above.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
