I guess this goes here...I have a new Rock Chucker press

[IWAC]

and I want to replace the 1 1/2" ball on the end of the handle with a larger 2 1/4" Pool ball. My manual says the jam nut on one end of the handle is 5/8 X18, and the two ends of the handle are threaded the same. I presume a 5/8 X 18 tap will be sufficient, and taking the WIIDOW factor (What IF It Don't Work?) into account...will a 9/16" bit give a durable thread depth, will be easily found at Lowe's or Home Depot or the like and won't be too expen$ive for the one-time job? I'm cheap!
Thanks!

 

[Atavar]

If it were me, for a heavy duty application like this I would epoxy in a threaded insert. You are talking about a lot of abuse over time.

 

[rdnktrkr]

There is a chart that shows what drill bit to use for different materials, but I agree with Atavar to use an insert, I think the insert will be a lot stronger.

 

[IWAC]

O.K., Thanx for the good advice, but I found a fellow on da'Bay who makes and sells them. Apparently, he makes them as shifter knobs for cars, too! Happy customer reviews! 100% feedback...I don't buy from anyone having less than a 99% feedback; saves hate and discontent, you know ...and by the time I found the tools for a one-time project, plus gas for chasing all over, the cost would be about the same. If it doesn't work, I'll put an insert in!

 

[Tilos]

You might want to look at this recent thread:

Pool balls for reloading press handles

Any one use pool balls to replace your factory ball handle? Years ago I seen a few presses with the black 8 balls on the handle.

www.thehighroad.org

Or just search "8 ball shift knobs" on amazon or ebay,

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=8+ball+shifter+knob&crid=342380NNXCIB9&sprefix=8+ball+shifter+knob%2Caps%2C3125&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

.
Edit: none of those are 5/8x18 or 5/8x11...
.

 

[dcarr]

My rock chucker is a couple of years old and love it, I was looking for something to help with sizing pistol cases with these old hands of mine and thats what it is dedicated too, have not seen necessary to change a thing. Only do 9mm up to 45 colt and no rifle so maybe that has something to do with it Enjoy, good sturdy piece of equipment in my humble opinion.