Oval Head Hex Drive

[Frank]

I have no trouble finding flat head hex drive screws for Newells and Penns form McMaster Car but the oval heads elude me. Anyone have a source?

Thanks,

Frank

[RowdyW]

I think it would be easier to find the Golden Fleece or a couple of hens teeth. I've been looking for years. Nothing in 5-40 ss.              Rudy

[Frank]

I think it would be easier to find the Golden Fleece or a couple of hens teeth. I've been looking for years. Nothing in 5-40 ss.              Rudy

Agreed!

[alantani]

I've been looking for years.

[foakes]

If someone could post a pic of what oval head screws are needed — along with thread size & pitch, length, etc. — I could check with a couple of obscure specialty suppliers I use for SS hardware.

Best,

Fred

[RowdyW]

Fred, any 3/4 inch long 5-40 oval head ss screw. They can always be shortened as needed.        Rudy

[foakes]

In the 5-40 oval head Allen Hex drives in SS —what lengths would be useful to have on hand for everyone?

I know they could be shortened, like Rudy sez — but it would be easier to just pull them out of a bin ready to go.

Best,

Fred

[Cortez_Conversions]

1/2" and 3/8"

[Tiddlerbasher]

Just saying - why not try button head hex screws. They sit nice on Penn plates and don't split em so much if over tightened. If you want to try I have a few

[RowdyW]

My understanding is that a button head has a flat bottom. How will that work in a tapered hole?         

[Dominick]

While we are on this thread I sometimes have problems with the threads on a screw that I have cut.  Any screw that is too big for the screw cutting holes on my electric stripping pliers I have to cut some other way.  I usually put a nut on the screw and either cut it with a hacksaw or Dremel it through.  Are there any hints to protecting the threads when shortening screws?  Dominick

[swill88]

While we are on this thread I sometimes have problems with the threads on a screw that I have cut.  Any screw that is too big for the screw cutting holes on my electric stripping pliers I have to cut some other way.  I usually put a nut on the screw and either cut it with a hacksaw or Dremel it through.  Are there any hints to protecting the threads when shortening screws?  Dominick

Put on a nut, tight so it won't spin while gutting, before the cut.  Back the nut off over the cut to clean up the threads.  Using a nut oh harder material than the screw is ideal.
Steve

[bluefish69]

I use 2 Nuts tightened to each other & cut with a dramel on the threaded end. My other way is to use a old Bridge Plate & thread the screw in the hole cut with a Dramel & unscrew.


A 533 Newell needs a 5-40 X 7/8 Screw for the head plate.

Mike

[Tiddlerbasher]

My understanding is that a button head has a flat bottom. How will that work in a tapered hole?         

Rudy - the flat based button heads cover the taper. If you fit a standard tapered/oval head screw (and over tighten) you can split the ring. Button heads will not split a ring but still give a neat finish - they are also available - unlike hens teeth . Personal preference I guess

[Tiddlerbasher]

To shorten a screw - I screw them into the appropriate die then cut with a dremel - then unscrew the die. Maybe de-burr the end afterwards.