[Bob Carriere]

...... I was able to salvage a lot of mine by simply replacing the square nut that is inside the cage. Carefully heat up the sheet metal of the cage with a small butane torch, the small one that I use to make "Cream Brule".

Heat up the edge of the cage and pry open with a flat screwdriver.... replace the damaged nut with a new one ..1/4 20tpi or some are 5/16....reheat and fold down the tab......paint as required. Now if the cage is ripped or damaged you will need to grind the old tabs off with a small stone wheel to clean up for the new one.

I also saved a few by cleaning up existing nuts in situ with a good oiled 1/4 in. tap

Nuts are readily available at Fastenal in 100 boxes or individual caged nuts.

Cheers