threaded plug is loose... ideas?

[Bo Borland]

the problem is, the insert or threaded plug on the steel end of the leg is loose. When I take it out of the case the plug slides out little. Any ideas about securing it?

[Bill Ford]

Bo,
You can take the leg, and plug to a machine shop and have then knurl the plug or make a new plug to press fit.

Bill

[Jerry Roller]

Bo, you need to unscrew the clutch and remove the inner part of the leg, somehow you need to remove the threaded plug. I have a long socket extension that I use but you can use anything that you can insert into the leg and knock the plug out. Next, I open vice jaws wide enough to cradle the plug but not let it fall thru. Be careful not to lay the flange end on the vice so as not to damage the flange. I use a chisel and hammer and chisel and make "X" indentions all around the plug in two rows so the entire length of the plug is defaced. These "X's" serve as a "knurl" and the plug will fit very tight. Next you need enough washers and a nut to screw on the threads and the nut needs to be snug and completely covering the threads so you won't damage the threads. You can then drive the plug back into the leg and remove the nut and washers and you have tight fit.
Jerry

[Robert Leaman]

Do what Jerry said but add a little 5 minute epoxy before you drive it back in.

[Donny Hinson]

I use a "Crazy-Glue" type product (cyanoacrylate) called "Loctite 430 Metal Bonder" on steel legs, and many other metal parts, and it's worked great! Take the connection completely apart, make sure it's clean (free of all oils), apply the adhesive, and then just tap it back together and leave it sit overnight.

Whenever gluing something with a nice finish (like chrome legs!), wrap the chrome part in masking tape in case any drips get on it (then you don't have to clean it off).