New member in France

[atheda]

Hi, I've just joined this forum. I have a Craftsman 259060. Old now but has done great work mowing 7000 square meters (1.80 acres). I am now refurbishing the cutting deck with new Mandrel assemblies, blades and clutch cable. So far so good with minor problems with rusty bolts etc. I have a query/problem with the mandrel assemblies. The holes for the attachment bolts are not threaded and I only have bolts supplied. Are these self tapping ? or has the mandrel casting not been threaded.

 

[BlazNT]

The bolts should be self taping. Picture and I can verify.

 

[Carscw]

Yes the bolts are self tapping.
I do not use them. I tap the hole and use bolts.

When you use the self tapping bolts they are a one time use. In a year if you try and take them out they most likely will break.

 

[atheda]

The bolts should be self taping. Picture and I can verify.

Hi Chuck,
Many thanks for your response. A bit more research showed me that they are and a trial with two confirmed it. Also looked a bit more closely at the old ones I took out. So tomorrow morning I'll get them all in.

 

[BlazNT]

Yes the bolts are self tapping.
I do not use them. I tap the hole and use bolts.

When you use the self tapping bolts they are a one time use. In a year if you try and take them out they most likely will break.

Me too. I find it easier.

 

[atheda]

Thanks for your responses guys. I've now finished refurbishing the deck. I stayed with the self tapping screws to hold the mandrel assembly. My thinking was that since I have had the mower 12 years and never had to take them off, I figure I won't have to any time soon. It works OK but I have other queries on what I've done but I'm not sure if this is the place, so I'll do another post under Craftsman section.

Regards
David