It is called chasing the threads. If you have a buddy who is a machinist, give him the screw that fits the hole and ask him to borrow a tap and handle. Then just put a little oil on the tap and wind it in, slowly.

If not, then figure out what size the screw is, buy the corresponding tap, you probably should get a cheap tap handle too, and chase the threads this way. If money is tight, the handle is optional and either a small open end wrench or a 6" crescent wrench will work to drive the tap in. The tap handle is the best way to go though.

The tap won't be a terrible investment as it will probably fit more that just those stands, but always check before you go winding it in.....

If the screw still doesn't tighten up, then you have to tap a larger hole and get a larger wing screw.

toodles

drumhack

Just remember a chase will clean threads and a tap will remove material. There is a difference. To make a home made "chase" get a bolt the same size you need. Use a dremel with a cutoff wheel to make a vertical slot cuts down the length of the bolt threads. 1, 2 or 3 cuts depending on the bolt size. The slot in the bolt allows the crap in the threads to collect there while you screw it in. And act as a chase. Saves you some cash too. If the threads are just too far gone you can tap it to the next larger size. But be sure you can find the right size wing screw that will suit your taste. In this case as DH said you'd need to find a tap set or buy one at the store. They are handy to have around. There are things called timeserts which are ribbed threaded sleeves. But you might booger up the stand more than you'd like and there might not be enough material to sink in into anyway. It's like a helicoil except a better fix.

As has been said chasing the threads will only work if there is enough material there, but the threads are just messed up.

There is also a little metal piece on the inside of the tube that the end of the screws bears against to protect the tube that fits inside. that will need to come out most likely, especially if you use a regular tap. The homemade chasing tool probably won't require this.

If the threads are too far gone your choices are as have been stated, cutting the next size up thread and using an larger wing nut that will not look original.

A helicoil would be my choice. You can buy kits that come with several inserts, a drill bit and tap and insertion tool. Once you drill and tap the hole you put a little loctite red stud and bearing mount on the insert, thread it in with the insertion tool then let the loctite dry. Then you break off the little tang on the insert that is left behind then you can reinstall the tube protector and you should be good to go for another 50 years.

It sounds harder than it is but the kit will run about $20 to $30 so unless you plan on fixing a lot of these, your best bet is probably to take it to a machine shop with the tube protector removed and with the wing screw and ask then to put in a helicoil and have them do all of the work.

I took a look at a couple of the same types of hi hats and there is plenty of material there for a heilcoil repair.

Thanks for the responses. I am afraid that my knowledge of machining and tools etc. is very elementary. I've never heard of a heli-coil or a tap or anything like that. Would anyone be willing to "dumb it down" for me, or at least tell me in basic terms what I would need to tell a machinst?

Also, any tips on how to get the metal insert out of the inside of the tube?

Thanks again.

Google is your friend.

"Can you make this work for less than (price of new stand)?"

That is pretty much all you need to tell them.

They could probably figure out how to pull the metal insert. I have never actually had to take one out but shouldn't be too hard.

Sounds like this is a repair that you don't have the knowledge or tools to handle. No shame in that. I would just let a pro handle it. It shouldn't be that expensive.

If you also have a GOOD mom and pop music store in your area that still does repair work they should be able to handle it as well. Or ask them who they use for repairs (or google your area) if they send stuff out.