How to Make a Screw From a Steel Rod

Select the die that matches the thickness of your steel rod. For example, is you have a 1/2-inch diameter steel rod, you will need to select the 1/2-inch die.

Load the die into the handle by placing it into the center retaining circle, and then clamp it in place by tightening the retaining screws on the outside of the center clamp.

Clamp the steel rod you wish to thread upright in a vise.

Place the die directly over and in line with the end of the rod, and begin screwing it down into the rod in a clockwise motion. Add a few drops of mineral oil to ensure smooth cutting and clean threads.

Continue turning the die, cutting in to the steel rod as far as you would like the threads cut. Turn the die counterclockwise to back off and remove it from the rod, or to clean uneven threads.

Cut the threaded rod using a hacksaw to the length you wish the screw to be, adding 1/4 inch at the end you would like to form the head of your screw.

Feed the cut threaded rod section into a matching nut, leaving 1/4 inch exposed above the nut, then clamp the nut firmly into your vice.

Tap the 1/4-inch exposed threaded rod end using a cross peen hammer flat to the upper edge of the nut in the vise, forming the head of your screw. Apply a little heat with a propane torch to make the steel rod end slightly more malleable, making the shaping of the screw head slightly easier.

Score a single straight line across the head of the screw with your hacksaw and a drop of oil to facilitate the placement of a slotted screwdriver. Back the screw out of the nut while still in the vice, and file the edges smooth and round with your file.