Penn JigMaster Screw sizing?

[DRAHandyman]

I have an older Penn Jig-master 500 that I have lost the "Take apart thumb screw" (part number 129-200) from.  I can find these screws on line but with cost of post/handling it is not worth getting one.  A normal stainless  machine screw would work as a replacement as I don't intend to take this reel apart regularly!  Unfortunately I just cannot find the correct thread size for this screw at my local OSH hardware store.
I have tried the common 4-36, 6-32 and 3.5mm and 4 mm screws, none fit.

Does anyone know what the thread size is?  It is the same as the screws that are in the spacers on the reel.

Any help would be appreciated.

[foakes]

Hi DRA --

If you can't find what you need -- I could send you the proper take apart thumb screw assembly.

It includes a spring, thumb screw, and threaded spring keeper.

If interested, just PM your address.

You can reimburse me a couple of bucks for the postage, if this would work for you.

Best,

Fred

[franky]

Wow Fred,

I like that machine you got there. 

It looks kinda old style, but its neat that you can just slide a paper in there and the image will be exploded on the big screen! As we get older, those things are priceless! 

[Alto Mare]

Hi DRA --

If you can't find what you need -- I could send you the proper take apart thumb screw assembly.

It includes a spring, thumb screw, and threaded spring keeper.

If interested, just PM your address.

You can reimburse me a couple of bucks for the postage, if this would work for you.

Best,

Fred

Ok Fred, where can I get one of those, I could really use it. Amazing how clear it is.

[foakes]

Hi Sal --

The brand is Enhanced Vision -- it is a Merlin.

They are kind of expensive new -- but I would look on Craigslist or eBay for a good late model used one.

Another source would be a local vision specialist company -- they get these as used units all of the time -- and generally want to get rid of them as soon as possible.  They are able to sell the new ones for a lot of $$$ since usually insurance or Medicare will help out with the purchase of these.

Mine is fairly late model, as it also connects to a computer to take a snapshot, print it out, or email.

Probably not something I need now, but it is really handy, and I hope to be able to keep working on reels for a long, long time to come...

My wife is a vision teacher for our local school district -- so she knows about these things.

Best,

Fred

[Mattman NZ]

Same as the post screws i think 5-40 unc  or 1/8 X 40 Tpi .
all the best
Mat....

[Alto Mare]

Hi Sal --

The brand is Enhanced Vision -- it is a Merlin.

They are kind of expensive new -- but I would look on Craigslist or eBay for a good late model used one.

Another source would be a local vision specialist company -- they get these as used units all of the time -- and generally want to get rid of them as soon as possible.  They are able to sell the new ones for a lot of $$$ since usually insurance or Medicare will help out with the purchase of these.

Mine is fairly late model, as it also connects to a computer to take a snapshot, print it out, or email.

Probably not something I need now, but it is really handy, and I hope to be able to keep working on reels for a long, long time to come...

My wife is a vision teacher for our local school district -- so she knows about these things.

Best,

Fred

Thanks for the info Fred, you're right, they're not cheap. I've seen some from $1500 to $200, I'll need to hunt one down, it would really help.

[Marcq]

Hi DRA --

If you can't find what you need -- I could send you the proper take apart thumb screw assembly.

It includes a spring, thumb screw, and threaded spring keeper.

If interested, just PM your address.

You can reimburse me a couple of bucks for the postage, if this would work for you.

Best,

Fred

Looks like you are well setup Fred  , need to do a clean up in my shop 

Marc..

[Alto Mare]

Sorry for pulling away from your question Handyman, I can't tell you the size but the 5-40 is not it. It is, but the thread pitch is different.

[Mattman NZ]

I've used the std 5-40 thread in two of my jigmasters for over ten years and had no probs and the difference between 5-40 2a & 5-40 3a is very small .0008 in dia. I've used the std 5-40 because thats all i could get and why Penn used a slightly different pitch is beyond me .lol.

[Alto Mare]

Matt, I'm not really good with the technical part ,but here is an easier and most assuring way

The 5-40 on the right screws all the way  on a stock frame post, the thumb screw on the left doesn't .

Handyman, send Fred a PM and you're set.

[Alto Mare]

Matt, I owe you an apology. I just tried the 5-40 on the actual jigmaster's ring and it works, a little tight but definitely works.
Sorry for the confusion.

[Mattman NZ]

All good Sal - no apology needed mate lol . I've just tried another 5-40 screw in another one of my 500s and its was a firm fit but not tight - you could put it down to age and wear I suppose .

[foakes]

OK, Dave --

The parts will be in the mail to you tomorrow.

Best Regards,

Fred

[foakes]

In the mail, Dave --

Should be there Friday -- no signature required.

Best,

Fred