Aluminum galling on thread plug gauge

[Calibratethethreadgauges]

I have a 5/16-24, 3B, STI thread plug Go member that has light aluminum galling on the first two threads.
The aluminum is either 6061 or 7075. The gauge is 60-62Rc
Anyone have a good idea how to remove the galling.

Thank you.

 

[ScottK]

That's not something I would do in house. I'd send it out to my calibration guy for a repair and calibration check.
But to prevent it in the future have you considered using a light lubricant?

 

[Calibratethethreadgauges]

I dip each gauge in Way Lube after cleaning, visual inspection and checking diameters and PD's, after each use.

Sending out the Go Member for repair and calibration would cost less than a new Go Member?

Usually if a small gauge is galled it gets replaced with a new one. An inspector told me too much plating in the tapped hole as the reason why it was galled. Maybe he gets a Tin coated one next time.

I admit I took the member home last night for an experiment. I placed the member in Gallium for about an hour. It appears the aluminum was just starting to be removed. I checked the Pitch Diameters this morning and appear to have no change. Not so sure about the integrity of the steel.
I thought the Gallium would work faster. I'll try some more tonight.

 

[Mike S.]

I have had similar problems in the past. While we went through some problems with a supplier we would sometimes get the plug gages stuck and have to scrap them. We used isopropyl alcohol as a lubricant which helped some. If loose particles got on the gage we would use a toothbrush and alcohol bath to clean them, but once galled I agree with Scott - have it checked or scrap it.

 

[ScottK]

I dip each gauge in Way Lube after cleaning, visual inspection and checking diameters and PD's, after each use.

Sending out the Go Member for repair and calibration would cost less than a new Go Member?

Not sure what Go Member is...
I have a local metrology supplier I use that has a calibration lab when issues like this crop up.

 

[Mike S.]

We found it necessary to always have at least one backup gage at all times for reasons like this -- never know when a thread gage might achieve questionable status.

 

[Calibratethethreadgauges]

Not sure what Go Member is...
I have a local metrology supplier I use that has a calibration lab when issues like this crop up.

Thread Plug Gauges have two members, a Go and a No go that go into the Handle

 

[Calibratethethreadgauges]

We found it necessary to always have at least one backup gage at all times for reasons like this -- never know when a thread gage might achieve questionable status.

Always back up gauges, or you are the one holding up the show,
Unless of course it's a really expensive gauge.

 

[ScottK]

Thread Plug Gauges have two members, a Go and a No go that go into the Handle

Ah- I haven't referred to them as members, I've always just say "go side, no-go side"
I thought you were referring to a company.

 

[Calibratethethreadgauges]

Ah- I haven't referred to them as members, I've always just say "go side, no-go side"
I thought you were referring to a company.

When a go-side is out of tolerance and I order a new one, it's typed 5/16-24 UNF, 3B, STI, Taperlock Plug, Go member.