Traffic light umbrella does not close

Does screwing the crank onto the shaft work? If yes, then you can try the following: Screw the crank onto the shaft, then the plate, and now try to turn the small screw INTO the thread WITHOUT a washer (Yes, I know, that's not how it's usually done). Maybe the missing washer is enough for the screw to catch some threads. If that works, unscrew the screw again, apply enough threadlocker to the screw's thread, and then screw it back in. If you want, you can also apply threadlocker to the shaft's thread to additionally secure the crank against loosening when closing the umbrella. It wouldn't be the most elegant solution, but it could work and hold for a while.

Yes, I tried it, you can practically push it in and pull it out again with your finger without much resistance, it doesn't hold anymore, just as it is.

If it's that loose, nail polish won't help, only a new thread with a new screw or a proper adhesive with the existing screw. On what occasion would you need to open it again? The risk of a permanent connection isn't too high, the effort is manageable. Before that, I would try a longer screw, maybe the threaded hole is deep and the longer screw will still catch.

Respect 7 pages because of the screw :) if you don't dare to redraw the thread maybe there is someone from the forum who can do that near you? Otherwise ask around in your circle of acquaintances if someone is a toolmaker or industrial mechanic.

Does screwing the crank onto the shaft work? If yes, then you can try the following: Screw the crank onto the shaft, then the plate, and now try to turn the small screw INTO the thread WITHOUT a washer (Yes, I know, usually you don’t do that). Maybe the missing washer is enough for the screw to catch some thread. If it works like that, unscrew the screw again, apply enough threadlocker to the screw’s thread, and then screw it back in. If you want, you can also apply threadlocker to the thread of the shaft to additionally secure the crank against loosening when closing the umbrella. It wouldn’t be the nicest solution, but it could work and hold for a while.

No, it doesn’t work. I can push the screw completely into the thread without the crank (using my finger) and pull it out again. There is hardly any resistance left.

If it’s that loose, nail polish won’t help anymore, only a new thread with a new screw or a proper adhesive with the existing screw. On what occasion would you have to open it again? The risk of a permanent connection is not that great, the effort is manageable. Before that, I would try a longer screw, maybe the threaded hole is deep and the longer screw still catches.

For the thread, would I have to buy drill bits like Ibanan posted earlier? What should I search for on Amazon? Or would you tend towards the adhesive solution? I’m not sure if it would hold with glue. The screw currently has relatively little resistance and there is force applied when tightening.

Respect, 7 pages about the screw :) If you don’t dare to re-thread the thread yourself, maybe someone from the forum who can do that lives near you? Otherwise, ask around among acquaintances if anyone is a toolmaker or industrial mechanic.

I mainly don’t have the right tool for it (and don’t know whether I should experiment or just return it). Unfortunately, I can’t get a price-performance equivalent replacement anymore. Those I find in the same price range look much less stable. And I don’t want to spend more money on a temporary solution. Our “broken” one is unfortunately no longer available.

How much more expensive would an upgrade to something satisfactory for you be? If new tools first have to be purchased, and yes, none of you have experience with them either, then maybe that’s not the most optimal option.

Especially since, in my opinion, you should not save money on thread cutters. They have to cut cleanly and you won't get those for €10 in a set.