Question and help with Coleman lift cable

[clara*bella]

OK, I have read the lift manual and was in the process of raising the roof level by turning the lock washer on the cable at the wiffletree.  The screw that is attached to the end of the cable was slightly caught in the metal hole of the bracket, and caused the screw thread to stretch one way, and bunch up the other.  I guess my questions is two-fold, will this cause weakness on the screw and make the chances of it breaking more likely? And do I have to replace the entire cable or can I just get another screw end and crimp it on?  

http://picasaweb.google.com/janetkayez/CableEnds#5308375440519722194

Thanks!!
Janet


2003 Coleman Bayside
1998 Ford Expedition

[austinado16]

Based on your photo:

My suggestion would be to salvage what you have and to do so you're going to need a couple of tools.

You can rethread that threaded rod, so you'll need to go to the hardware store and buy a "die" for cutting those exact threads.  Therefore, you need to find out what size and pitch those threads are.  Remove one of those nuts and take it to the hardware store and find a bolt that will thread into it....then you'll know what your thread size and pitch is.  For example, that might be 1/4" diameter by 24 pitch (fine pitch).  So you'd buy a die for that size.

The threads on that one nut are probably damaged, so buy a new nut too.

To rethread, you'll grab the end of the threaded rod, where it meets the cable.  A pair of vise grip brand pliers will be perfect for this.

A crecent wrench big enough to grab the die will also be needed.

Some penetrating oil, like PB Blaster or Kroil will be nice to have also.

Grab the end where it meets the cable and hold it tight with the pliers to keep it from rotating.

Thread on the die, beveled thread side first (it will be marked).

Use your fingers to thread the die along the rod until it hangs up on the damaged threads.  Then use the crecent wrench to turn the die through the damaged area.  Use the penetrant on the threads.

Remove the die and your pliers and you're done.  Thread on the new nut.

[clara*bella]

I get what you are saying.....but if I have to have the nut where the threads are damaged and rethreaded in order to raise the roof to the correct level, will the damage that I have done weaken the structural integrity to the point of possible breakage?  I just don't want to have to do this 2X, and if there is a greater chance that I will break the cable, I would just rather replace now, rather than later.  KWIM?

[austinado16]

Damage to the thread isn't going to weaken that grade 2 (or maybe grade 5) threaded rod.  It's already pretty soft, hence why the threads have gotten damaged.

Rethreading will straighten out the threads and you'll be back in business as long as you also use a new nut...and as long as the threads aren't so damage that the die can't "stand them back up" again.  

You have another option though, and it would be cheaper, easier and faster than what previously suggested.

If you have a real hardware store in town (I don't mean a home deep hole) you can find metal and nylon sleeves/spacers amongst their drawers of assorted nuts, screws, bolts and other goodies.  Find a spacer that will fit over the threaded rod, and it will cover the damaged thread area. A washer between it, and that bracket will distribute the load as before.  Then on the other end of the spacer, go with another washer, and a new nut.  So now your new nut is on fresh threads and the spacer and washers are doing the same thing that just the nut and washer did before.

Clear as mud?

[clara*bella]

That is a great suggestion!  However, we are going to go ahead and replace the cable with one from the dealer (the bolt is machined on).  I haven't found any posts with pic from a cable replacement of a "newer" Coleman, so we will be sure to take lots!  Thanks for your help and responses!