Tube size?

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I need to make a tube that will fit a 1/2" heim joint. Plan is to buy the tube then use a thread tap to make the threads inside the tube so the heim joint can be inserted. Never done this before, so looking to make sure I have the right size tube for the job. I'm looking at a 5/8" outer dimension with a .495" inner diameter, .065" wall if that matters. In my mind this will work as the inner diameter seems like perfect to use the thread tap to make the threads. Am I right on this or can anyone provide some info?Thanks!
Reply:What threads are you actually trying to make?  1/2-13?  If so, then no it will not work. 1/2 is the major diameter of the threads.  Look up a tap drill chart for the drill bit size for the threads you want. This will be the id you need for the tube.Also what are you doing with the heim?  0.065 wall tubing is extremely thin for anything heim that isnt a simple low stress linear linkage.Multimatic 200Ellis 1800Haberle S225 9" cold sawMM 300;  Spoolmate 30A w/ WC-24TB 302GDynasty 280 DX Tigrunner
Reply:Thanks for the fast reply. Yes, it's 1/2-13 threads. I looked up the chart ( http://www.physics.ncsu.edu/pearl/Tap_Drill_Chart.html ) and from what I can tell is I need an inner diameter of .4531". To which the closest I can find for round tube is 5/8" outer diameter, .435 inner, with .095" wall. It's for an a arm on a gokart, if the above tube will work, the .095" wall should be sufficient. Thanks again!
Reply:You have some other options as well.Make a short slug to fit any handy common tube. Drill and tap that small piece and weld to tube (or in the tube).Weld the correct nut on the end of any handy tube.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:All the heim joints I've ever used were fine thread... Its a bit easier and faster to buy the threaded inserts and weld it in the tubing.If the thread you need is actually a 1/2-13 you will need a 27/64 hole for tapping, decimal equivalent of .422 which is the normal tap drill size.. The tube you mention having a .453 I.D. would have too large an I.D for 1/2-13 threads..  A piece of tubing with a 7/16 (.437) I.D. would probably work well enough for a go cart.. I dont care for that tap drill chart you linked ( http://www.physics.ncsu.edu/pearl/Tap_Drill_Chart.html )Try this one http://rtjtool.com/saetapanddrillchart.aspx  its 75% thread, which is what you would typically want..Last edited by brucer; 12-31-2013 at 01:25 AM.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:A thin wall tube with threads tapped is prone to cracking if there's any stress in this application.(and I'll bet there is)below are links to alloy steel rod end weld nuts specifically for this application:http://www.mcmaster.com/#94640a265/=q1k35dhttp://www.mcmaster.com/#rod-ends/=q1k2bqBlackbird
Reply:You can obtain "coupler nuts" from a well stocked bolt and screw supply distributor.  Coupler nuts are are typically about as long as if you stacked 3 regular nuts on top of each other.  Coupler nuts are aimed at special circumstances where there is a need to join 2 threaded rods together, or to form a female threaded end that can receive a male threaded device.  A coupler nut can be welded to the end of an unthreaded rod to create a threaded receiver.  Coupler nuts are available in the same sizes as other fasteners including metric.
Reply:I know this doesn't answer your question, but the previous comments did lead you in the correct direction - http://allstarperformance.com/product.htm?prod=607I'll make you one for the same price as whats on this page.  Just give me some specs.  Shipping to you would be $5.05-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:For that type of deal an OLD racers trick is to toddle down to the nearest parts emporium and simply buy a suitable sized lug nut and use that as a bung for the new tube.  Left hand lug nuts are readily available as well.  You can simply center the lug nut in the end of the tube using the taper and weld it in with your handi dandy 110 volt horrible fright flux core.  The square end of the lug nut will shoulder the jam nut just fine.  AND yes a spherical rod end is a fine pitch thread and by the way a 1/2" is referred to as a -8.RogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches