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WiseAutoTools.com Summary: We cover few ways to determine the size of a bolt. This is needed to select the correct size thread bolt repair kit. Different size kits have different size tooling, so they are not interchangeable. We also debunk the common mistake of using the head of the bolt to determine the size of the bolt threads. A very common mistake. The simplest way to determine the size is to go to a parts store and use their thread size sample display (AKA identifier or gauge) or use …

Buying a new vehicle can be frustrating to say the least. Paying more than you should can have a negative affect on how you feel about the vehicle for many years to come. In this short article I'll share my experience shopping for a new Frontier pick up truck during the chip shortage and while crazy market adjustments are being routinely charged for the most desirable vehicles.In the past I would have never considered paying MSRP for a vehicle. That was just the starting place to negotiate down …

DennisB WiseAutoTools.com © Summary: Why it is so important NOT to drill or tap before making sure the valves are closed. When it comes to spark plug thread repair, a common misconception is that the piston "being down" is the only concern. Below is part of a recent email conversation I had with a customer preparing to fix his spark plug threads.Dennis. I have a few more questions if you have the time. I don't have an air compressor so I won't be able to use the leak tester to find bottom d …

DennisB WiseAutoTools.com © Summary: How to determine the right oversize thread repair when a previous parts store type insert or Helicoil has failed making the hole bigger. This question answered and more. We help customers find the best kit when a Helicoil or some other similar type thread repair has failed. There's a lot of information online however it's hard to know who's opinion to trust. A recent customer said "Everyone's got an opinion on thread repair kits online". That's true. I w …

WiseAutoTools.com © Summary: The image above is for the ES72220 replacement head bolts available at O'Reilly Auto Parts, we have the best thread repair kits. If your Chevy engine uses this size bolts, the thread repair kits we sell to fix threads in the block are the M11x2.0 3700 (or 3700BS) and M8x1.25 1812CORE-PLATE. For M12x1.75 we have the 42385-50 head bolt thread repair kit. More on this below. LS engines with stripped threads can be repaired with Time Sert k …