Courses of action after having started to strip the threading on a bolt

Question

I over-tightened the following bolt on my metering assembly.

The bolt now looks like this — you'll notice that it isn't too damaged but I've certainly done some damage.

I am tempted to simply order a new bolt, re-insert more gently, and tighten it down. But I am concerned I might then place the assembly itself in jeopardy, and that's a far harder thing to just replace.
Given the damage on the bolt, what might a pragmatic mechanic more experienced than I do in this situation?

Solar Mike · Accepted Answer

To continue using that bolt, I would grind that damaged section down , just like some bolts that have a lead on them.
Of course, before trying it again I would run a tap into the hole to clean that thread. If you have a replacent bolt the hole thread would need cleaning anyway.
If you don’t have a tap, an old bolt can be made into a « tap » with a cut from a hacksaw.. A trick that can rescue one out in the field when sources are limited.

Courses of action after having started to strip the threading on a bolt

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