using “bargain” coax connectors

I bought a package of 10 SO-239 chassis connectors on eBay at a great price.  The connectors looked good, teflon insulation, gold plated pins.  However it was not possible to thread a PL-259 male connector on more than 2 or 3 turns.

I then understood why the price was so low.  I decided that the solution was to re-thread the connectors.  I looked for a die at local tool stores but no luck –  I was told that 5/8-24 was a thread used in electrical connectors but not commonly used by machinists.  Checking on Amazon it became clear that the proper die was available at reasonable cost as a “gunsmiths” die.

As soon as it arrived I tried it.  I did not have a holder for this size die so I used a “Quick-clamp” with rubber pads.  I used lots of cutting oil and took my time cutting the threads.  The result was a bare brass thread which easily took the Amphenol PL-259 connector.

I don’t know if the manufacturer in China used a 16 mm die in place of 5/8″ or if they failed to take the thickness of the nickle plating into account when cutting threads.  Whatever the reason now I have the tool to make it right!

The photos tell the story.  73 and keep on building.  Earl VA6TJ

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