LMichaels
TVWBB 2-Star Olympian
DOn't bother with trying to thread that old brittle aluminum. Drill it out if needed fully and use a small stainless carriage bolt from the inside. Drill the hole just a tiny bit smaller than the square shank of the carriage bolt. It will "bite" into the soft aluminum and end up looking like it was "made that way". Besides, you will never be able to drill the hole in just the right spot for rethreading it due to the bit walking off due to the much harder piece of steel screw in the soft aluminum. Been there done that.I've blasted it, and also heated it, no luck yet. Sprayed it again after the heat, too, just in case it might penetrate better. I think I'll order the tool Hank uses, which will allow more time for patience and penetration while it ships. Then when it twists off anyways, at least I'll know I did what I could!
While I'm on Amazon, I'll also add a tap & die set to the cart. "Save for Later".