Best way to shorten a screw?

[BigB_117]

Can I cut or grind down a 3mm screw, and preserve the threads so that I can still thread it into some aluminum?

I've got cut off wheels for my dremel and a grinder....

Thanks.

[Rogue]

Cut off wheel on a Dremel is the best an quickest what that I have found.

[akguanja]

yes, i usualy thread a nut all the way onto the screw and mark it and cut it with a dremel cutoff wheel, that way when you unscrew the nut off the screw the thread are all intact again. and your not fighting to get a screw on it after youve cut it :P

[Lonewolf]

Ya sure I use a dremel cut off wheel all the time just make sure to cleasn up the end of the screw, if ya can put a slight bevel on the end it will make starting the screw alot easier

[BigB_117]

Sounds good.

Thanks guys!

[ctrwannabe]

Originally Posted by akguanja

yes, i usualy thread a nut all the way onto the screw and mark it and cut it with a dremel cutoff wheel, that way when you unscrew the nut off the screw the thread are all intact again. and your not fighting to get a screw on it after youve cut it :P

This is the method I use as well it works good.

[Joat]

I usually put 2 nuts and tighten them together and behind the positition I want to cut off,this marks the length I want and also stops the nuts from fallen off when making my cuts.

[antikas]

I have crimping pliers similar to these:


Works the same as the nut and cutoff wheel mehtod.
There are threaded holes in the center of the pliers. You just screw in to the wanted length, press the pliers shut (cutting the screw) and unscrew.

[Andsetinn]

I use same methot as Antikas. Quicker, quieter and less messy than Dremel. Also it doesn't heat the screw.

[RobCam]

Originally Posted by antikas

I have crimping pliers similar to these:


Works the same as the nut and cutoff wheel mehtod.
There are threaded holes in the center of the pliers. You just screw in to the wanted length, press the pliers shut (cutting the screw) and unscrew.

i got a set of these for $5 best tool ive ever used for cutting m3 bolts

[Jeep-Power]

cut it however you like.

clean up the end with a grinding wheel-- making sure the wheel is pulling away from the tip of the screw (shooting sparks towards the tip of the screw), perpendicular with the threads.

properly done it prevents any burrs from forming in the threads and it removes any burrs your cutting made. It also chamfers (sp?) the end so that the screw threads easily.

[Grizzly4x4]

Originally Posted by Jeep-Power

cut it however you like.

clean up the end with a grinding wheel-- making sure the wheel is pulling away from the tip of the screw (shooting sparks towards the tip of the screw), perpendicular with the threads.

properly done it prevents any burrs from forming in the threads and it removes any burrs your cutting made. It also chamfers (sp?) the end so that the screw threads easily.

x eleventy billion!!
It's all about getting a nice bevel (chamfer) on the end and the threads will be 100% good to go. I usually use a file to clean up the cut.

Here's one I recently cut for my Maxx shaft driveshaft conversion.

[Rockcrawler]

Originally Posted by antikas

I have crimping pliers similar to these:


Works the same as the nut and cutoff wheel mehtod.
There are threaded holes in the center of the pliers. You just screw in to the wanted length, press the pliers shut (cutting the screw) and unscrew.

X3

When you take the screw out, it straightens the threads out.

[d-fly]

Hahah I just used a metal saw because of my lack of tools. Its really not as a big of a deal as we are making it. I just cut it of with a saw and screwed it in where I need the screw on my dig collar.

[Joat]

Originally Posted by RobCam

i got a set of these for $5 best tool ive ever used for cutting m3 bolts

Link? and you think it will handle stainless? I use mostly stainless for the anti rust factor

[AX10wannabe]

oh ya its easier than shovelling dog crap off the lawn... i put the head of my bolt or screw in the vise and whip out the handy dandy hack saw and give er' hell... then screw it into wherever is destination is and its fine..


i got zip cuts, bench and angle grinders, dremel to cut it with but the easiest way is the hack saw..

[Rockcrawler]

Originally Posted by Joat

Link? and you think it will handle stainless? I use mostly stainless for the anti rust factor

Just go to lowes and see what they have. You might be able to find a better set online though. I cut stainless with mine also.

[bob1961]

as cheap as screws are i just have all the sizes i need ...........bob

....

[Jeep-Power]

Originally Posted by Grizzly4x4

x eleventy billion!!
It's all about getting a nice bevel (chamfer) on the end and the threads will be 100% good to go. I usually use a file to clean up the cut.

Here's one I recently cut for my Maxx shaft driveshaft conversion.

thanks for the pic-- it's worth alot more than any description!

[dkf]

Originally Posted by Rockcrawler

X3

When you take the screw out, it straightens the threads out.

Not really. I use these all the time to cut screws but it messes up the last thread from being sheared. It is especially bad on larger stainless screws. I would still recommend chamfering the end of the screw so it will both start easier and not gouge the mating part.

Link? and you think it will handle stainless? I use mostly stainless for the anti rust factor

It will cut stainless just fine. Stainless screws are softer than the steel screws so they cut easier but tend to deform more at the end.