Various Screw sizes

[Reel 224]

I can agree with you Rudy, because I have all the tools that are necessary and because I take for granted that I do. So I'll lay out the tools that I have to show others. So they can go from there. Bear with me and I will take pictures today.

Joe

[Reel 224]

Here are the simple tools you will need for measuring screws..................Joe

[foakes]

I agree with Rudy and Joe —

Easy enough for any of us serious about the right screws to learn the types ourselves — or ask other regular contributors on our site.

In my opinion, this chart can be done — but it would take some time and effort, may or may not be accurate, and may be missing significant screw types — or if relied upon — may become outdated quickly as builders and suppliers change the screws used in our builds — as they will.

Type of screw, material, diameter, length, thread pitch or count, standard or metric, etc, etc...

For me, I just figure out the screws I need most of the time — then order 100 at a time from McMaster-Carr.  That way I have what I need accurately within a couple of days at the latest — or in my screw bins immediately.

Another issue that comes to mind —

Like most of us active contributors on our AT site — I am willing to help those who need any knowledge or parts that I may have.  This is an enjoyable hobby that sometimes pays for itself — mostly it doesn't — and that is OK, it is a hobby — not a living.  A lot of what we do, is free.

Many times, folks need a part or two — do an internet search — find our information.  That is all well and good — and most of us try to help.  The problem I have is one-time requests for parts — then the frustration when after answering a request — I never hear a response.  We are treated like we are just another Amazon retailer that doesn't rate a simple response.

It is the world we live in.  And we should realize that the more information we put out for the general public — the less respect that sometimes comes our way.

Just my opinions.

Best,

Fred

[Reel 224]

Fred: I could add a little to your comments, but lets say. In my short time building reels and refurbishing them I found the only people that rely appreciate the work we go threw is our fellow creators of such equipment. The novice most of the time doesn't have a clue.

The people hear are top notch reel mechanics that put there heart it there work......................Joe Not meant to offend anyone.    

[RowdyW]

Also needed is a thread gauge. Some of those tiny suckers are tough to count by eye with a scale.

[Darin Crofton]

Thank you for this post, I'm adding some of these tools to a cart on amazon, will purchase when I have extra money as I go...

[Gfish]

So, the "screw checker" thing you're showing Joe, is that what Rudy was talkin bout - a "thread gage"? I've got a caliper, but I'd like to get that chart and screw checker. Where to? We got Ace Hardware & Home Depot left on the Island( lost K-Mart, Sears and Sports Authority since I been here). Hardest screws for me to find so far have been the little metric ones on older Abu's.
Kinda like that word: "snarky", might make a good forum name, mabey I'll take it if nobody else wants it...

[foakes]

Hey, Greg — and others —

McMaster-Carr has all of the thread gauges, sizing templates, charts, and other ID tools anyone needs — at very reasonable prices.

And their prices on hardware are low and swift shipping.

When you look at (1) screw on eBay for $4.95 — and you need (16) for one reel — 100 for $16 is a simple decision for me.

There are other suppliers out there also.  MC is just one of the best, IMO.

Best,

Fred

https://www.mcmaster.com/

[STRIPER LOU]

Greg, I believe this is what is being talked about here.

Of course any thread gage is a handy item to have in the shop and the one that Joe shows is great for easy reference.

I have several in this style, both metric and standard and up to 48tpi. The ONLY reason I like this type is, I still machine cut threads on a lathe and this gives me a quick reference to the amount of thread depth as I'm cutting.

Joe, I may have some charts around here that might be of interest to you. Ill dig them up and either send them or post them up if I can hunt them down. I still thread a lot but most of it is off the top of my head as I've done it so long, I never give it a second thought.

All have a great evening,  ..  Lou

[Frank]

"Kinda like that word: "snarky", might make a good forum name"

LOL, glad you got a kick out of it.

[Reel 224]

Here is one site that has it all.https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2746&category=...............Joe

I was just showing the simple tools, I didn't want to get overly expensive. "Snarky" That's a good one. LoL PMP

[oc1]

If you look at the auction site you can find a set of fold-out thread gauges for about five bucks with shipping from China included.  They are absolute junk.  Do not get them and do not ask me how I know.
-steve

[Cortez_Conversions]

Hello Joe,
Thanks for trying to get this project rolling.
I've wanted to do this on my website but never have the time to do it.

I don't have a lot of experience with other reel manufactures, but here are some common Penn screw sizes in no particular order:

Most Penn side plate screws are 5-40 screws in various lengths. I believe the 6/0 and up this changes to 8-40 which is an almost unobtainable aftermarket size.
The cheap taps available on Ebay are almost always doo-doo, so buyer beware.

Penn screws, bearings, dimensions without exception(my experience) are imperial, not metric.

Quite a few clamp screws and nuts are 10-24 but I have seen 10-32 as well.

Tom

[RowdyW]

To add, bridge screws for up to 4/0 are 6-40 & screws for 6/0 & above are 10-32.

[Reel 224]

Thanks Guys those are pretty common sizes and they are easy to obtain. I will see what I can do at my end to make a list of the common Penn screws such as thread size and length.

This will be good for those guys that are just starting out..............................Joe