Stripped Out Chain

[ASwirsky]

So i was doing some riding last fall when my crank decided to loosen and completely fall off in the middle of the ride. After doing some searching we found the crank but not the screw. So i went to my local bike shop got the right screw and went to put the crank back on and correct me if I am wrong, when i was putting on the crank to the metal bar between the two cranks, i think it is called the drive train, it was not threading properly, so it is stripped. Any suggestions on what to do? I am trying to avoid buying a new drive train so can this be re-tapped? Thanks for the help!!!

[RBurrelli]

The "metal bar" between the cranks is called the bottom bracket. That is what the pedals attach to. Depening upon your bike it could be an easy switchout.

[ASwirsky]

Is the bottom bracket usually the same on all bikes? Could I possible take one off of another bike?

[RBurrelli]

There are common types and sizes, but they are not all the same. They can be cup and cone type or sealed units. Different widths and lengths as well. We would need more detail of your existing bike. Picture with the crank removed would be a good start.