Cutting threads in a steel rod - without specialized tools?

[Dave Bagwill]

I've got a 1/4" steel rod that needs to accept a 1/4"x20 nut.
Is there a way to cut threads on the rod without a tap and die set?

[Dave Bagwill]

What I'm trying to do is join a plain 1/4" steel rod and a 1/4x20 screw.

[Robert Hosmer]

Dave, unless you use a lathe to do the thread-cutting, I'm pretty sure you're gonna need a die.
Couple of dollars for an el-cheapo die; few dollars more for a handle. Don't forget cutting fluid.

Not sure what you're objective is. Are you just wanting to make a "long screw"?

[Dave Bagwill]

Hey Robert - the short rod is part of a follower I want to use on my copy carver. I use a long 1/4x20 screw to equal the length of the router bit.

[Robert Hosmer]

OK, I see now.

Another possible option may be to use a tap to thread the (inside) end of a piece of tubing. The screw could adjust in/out of the tube, and eliminate need for a "long nut" to couple the screw and rod together.

Just a thought; don't know what you got to work with.
I've got lots of tubing cutoffs in various sizes and wall thicknesses; that's why I mentioned that option.

[Robert Hosmer]

Dave, forgot to mention that if you think about the tubing option, pre-threaded tubing is available. Hobby supply distributors.

[Dave Bagwill]

That gave me an idea that works. I had a length of 1/4" i.d. threaded nylon - I opened one end up with a round file and pounded the follower's shaft into it - very snug, it's not going anywhere - and screwed the other end onto the long screw, and there we go.
Time for making chips!

Thanks!!