front brake rod thread size ?

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

Thanks Ray, that sure is some difference in price !

[paul.jameson]

I have understood (for perhaps 20 years) that the threads on the brake rod were rolled on (as per a spoke) instead of cut with a die (as per a bolt) in order to obtain maximum strength in the threads. But about 40 years ago I made a brake rod cutting the threads with a die and never had a problem for the 5 or so years I used it. How the modern ones are made I don't know, but I have had plenty of "Oh Shit" moments with them and never a problem (well not with the brake rod, anyway).

[ray.tolman]

Hi all,
A good idea might be to run up a second nut to lock against the existing brass T-nut. This will give a longer section of thread to give more strength or... perhaps make up a custom knurled brass T-nut an extra 1/4" or so deeper for more threads.
Too bad Ariel milled both sides of the lower brake rod. Possibly a better idea to mill just one side for better thread purchase.
Ray

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

Hi Ray, I think I will make a longer one, good idea, with a counter nut you need tools to do the adjusting.

[roger.fellows]

Perhaps less vulnerable to interference with a lock-nut?

[ian.scott]

Hi Ray, I think I will make a longer one, good idea, with a counter nut you need tools to do the adjusting.

I had to shorten mine as it fouled on the wheel clamp on my bike bench.

Ian

[paul.jameson]

Having re-read this topic it occurs to me to point out that you have lots and lots of thread at the lower end of the brake rod - in comparison with perhaps 4 or 5 turns worth at the top end where the rod is threaded into the connector for the cable.

[ray.tolman]

Hi Paul,
You are totally correct on this.
When I was working on the brake rod I too noticed the rather minimalist connection.

I have a newly purchased (‎£16.5) front brake cable which has extremely tiny ball fittings on each end.
I 'm not sure if they are silver soldered to the cable as the solder/silver? on either end scratches very easily with a pin.
Do I have the makings of a problem here?

A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link...
The question being, which link?
My life depends on this. "Pause for reflection..."

Ray

[simon.holyfield]

I put a pear nipple on the rod end of my front brake cable. It has a lot more brass in contact with the wire than a ball nipple.

You have to relieve the lug on the end of the rod to allow the nipple to fit.

[ray.tolman]

Hi Simes,
Thanks. A pear nipple? As shown on the handlebar end in the photo?
Ray