Right size bit/tool for the screws holding the Saltiga LD series sideplate?

[Jon_Kol]

Hi!

I hope that I'm not the only one who feels this way, but I really dislike the type of screws used to hold the sideplate on the Saltiga LD series. It's a sort of a flathead screwdriver type of screw, yet the groove is so shallow and thin that I'm having a hard time finding the right diameter needed not to damage the screws. It would be a nightmare to strip the groove of one of these, there is so little to go on there.

Any suggestions when it comes to choosing the right tool for these screws?

[foakes]

On many reels, we can get by with average screwdrivers.

On these high end Daiwas, I agree, the screws are a weak link in an otherwise expensive and decent reel.

Two choices -- IMO -- get a high quality, gunsmith (HOLLOW GROUND) screwdriver of the exact size needed.

Or, order a couple dozen spare screws from Daiwa for your future servicing of this reel.

Use only a manual, hollow ground tipped, right size screwdriver.  A power driver will tend to strip the slot and there will also be a good chance at that point of scratching the side plate.

Just got to do it by hand -- and invest in the proper tool.

Also, lightly grease the screws as you reinsert them into the frame.  After a year or two, they will still come out easily, with no corrossion or salt stick.

Good luck,

Best,

Fred

[Jon_Kol]

On many reels, we can get by with average screwdrivers.

On these high end Daiwas, I agree, the screws are a weak link in an otherwise expensive and decent reel.

Two choices -- IMO -- get a high quality, gunsmith (HOLLOW GROUND) screwdriver of the exact size needed.

Or, order a couple dozen spare screws from Daiwa for your future servicing of this reel.

Use only a manual, hollow ground tipped, right size screwdriver.  A power driver will tend to strip the slot and there will also be a good chance at that point of scratching the side plate.

Just got to do it by hand -- and invest in the proper tool.

Also, lightly grease the screws as you reinsert them into the frame.  After a year or two, they will still come out easily, with no corrossion or salt stick.

Good luck,

Best,

Fred

Thanks for the input. I only use manual tools when working on reels, but I can't understand why Daiwa wants to use these screws in such a reel. The problem is that I've gotten this reel sent to me, so the screws have probably never been greased and there's probably salt underneath the head of the screw - clamping it down just a bit more. When re-installing, I always grease the threads. I'll take the reel with me tomorrow to a few stores and see if I can find a good quality bit/tool that'll do the job.

-Jon-

[johndtuttle]

Daiwa does not seem to design anything with regular routine maintenance by a DiY guy in mind.

[Jon_Kol]

Luckily, I found a tool at work with a bit that fit the screws just close enough that I was able to unscrew them. Before giving it a go, I had soaked them in some penetrating oil to help with the dried out salt that was underneath the screw heads.

It doesn't really help that these soft screws with such a shallow groove, is secured with Threadlock.

I'm really happy that I was able to unscrew these, I was getting close to a breakdown thinking what would happen if one or more of those screws got a stripped head..

I've e-mailed Daiwa UK and asked if they can assist me with finding the proper tool for these screws. I'm gonna try and replace the screws with something else, I hate this design.

[handi2]

I believe the screw size is M3 and I always change then to SS. I know your pain. They use that type on many of their reels.

[foakes]

Keith is correct --

That is what I do also --

Last ones I got were from McMaster, if I recall.

Best,

Fred

[Jon_Kol]

Thanks guys, good to hear that I'm not alone with the pain.

I'll have to bring one of the original screws with me and see if I can find a match in SS, AND with a screwdriver groove (or anything but the Daiwa standard)   

[ReelClean]

If it looks like it is starting to cam out of the slot, stop.  You already have added lube, next to try is heat and percussion, even tightening the screw to break the bond before you try again may help.  Big #### soldering iron with a large flattened tip is one of my favorites.
cheers
Steve

[Jon_Kol]

I believe the screw size is M3 and I always change then to SS. I know your pain. They use that type on many of their reels.

Do you know the exact size of these sideplate screws? I've looked around, but I've only found screws that are a bit longer. It should be no problem to cut them with a dremel and just do the threads with a nut installed pre-cutting, but finding the exact size and model name of these screws would be great. M3 is just a standard, right?

[Tiddlerbasher]

If you can find M3 crews with a Torx or hex head of the right profile would be my choice. The length is easy to adjust with a Dremel and cut-off disc.

[Reel 224]

If you can find M3 crews with a Torx or hex head of the right profile would be my choice. The length is easy to adjust with a Dremel and cut-off disc.

Agreed Torx or hex head screws are best, and Fred hit on the slotted head screws when he suggested a good quality hollow ground set. I don't know why the reel industry doesn't use all torx or socket head screws,perhaps it's because they fear people will over tighten those types of screws.

Joe       

[Jon_Kol]

If you can find M3 crews with a Torx or hex head of the right profile would be my choice. The length is easy to adjust with a Dremel and cut-off disc.

Agreed Torx or hex head screws are best, and Fred hit on the slotted head screws when he suggested a good quality hollow ground set. I don't know why the reel industry doesn't use all torx or socket head screws,perhaps it's because they fear people will over tighten those types of screws.

Joe       

Couldn't agree more, Torx is always a welcome sight for sore reel eyes. The threads never strip, and I feel that it's easier to feel when the screw has been tightened properly.

I really can't stand the screws that Daiwa use for the Saltiga and Saltist reels, just looking at them gives me a bad feeling.

[handi2]

I have 5 in the shop right now and will verify the screws. Luckily these screws came out easily. You do need to get a set of gunsmithing screwdrivers. Without them it would have been harder. I tried a regular screwdriver and none fit just right.

[Reel 224]

You can buy a set hear.  http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/magna-tip-bit-sets/browning-auto-5-screwdriver-set-prod25476.aspx

Joe