Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => General Questions and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: Frank on November 10, 2018, 04:11:36 AM

Title: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 10, 2018, 04:11:36 AM
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
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: RowdyW on November 10, 2018, 04:47:42 AM
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
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 10, 2018, 05:21:08 AM
Quote from: RowdyW on November 10, 2018, 04:47:42 AM
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!
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: alantani on November 10, 2018, 04:46:35 PM
I've been looking for years.
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: foakes on November 10, 2018, 05:16:59 PM
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
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: RowdyW on November 10, 2018, 06:08:11 PM
Fred, any 3/4 inch long 5-40 oval head ss screw. They can always be shortened as needed.        Rudy
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: foakes on November 14, 2018, 07:56:47 PM
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
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Cortez_Conversions on November 14, 2018, 08:20:51 PM
1/2" and 3/8"
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Tiddlerbasher on November 14, 2018, 09:12:06 PM
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 :)
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: RowdyW on November 14, 2018, 10:05:37 PM
My understanding is that a button head has a flat bottom. How will that work in a tapered hole?         
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Dominick on November 14, 2018, 11:54:02 PM
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
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: swill88 on November 15, 2018, 12:09:34 AM
Quote from: Dominick on November 14, 2018, 11:54:02 PM
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
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: bluefish69 on November 15, 2018, 01:08:25 AM
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
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Tiddlerbasher on November 15, 2018, 01:48:09 AM
Quote from: RowdyW on November 14, 2018, 10:05:37 PM
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 :-\
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Tiddlerbasher on November 15, 2018, 01:55:11 AM
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.
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Dominick on November 15, 2018, 02:03:48 AM
Good stuff.  Keep the tips coming.  Dominick
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Gfish on November 15, 2018, 04:15:11 AM
After cutting, de-burr with a tiny fine tooth file at about 45 degrees, very lightly, then reverse them back through the nut threads/die with lube like WD-40.

I've found that cutting my stand screws on older Penns flush with the stand surface, makes back lashes eaiser to deal with(line don't catch on a stickin out screw end).
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 15, 2018, 01:25:59 PM
Quote from: Cortez_Conversions on November 14, 2018, 08:20:51 PM
1/2" and 3/8"

That works for me too!
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 15, 2018, 01:27:30 PM
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on November 14, 2018, 09:12:06 PM
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 :)

I was thinking about going with them. They look nice too.
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 15, 2018, 01:29:55 PM
How about hex screws for the bridge plate? Anyone using them on Penns and Newells?
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: thorhammer on November 15, 2018, 02:03:35 PM
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on November 14, 2018, 09:12:06 PM
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 :)


Chris very kindly sent me some a few months back- they look very clean on a build! gotta pic somerz....

thanks again bud!
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: thorhammer on November 15, 2018, 02:11:13 PM
here it is, the 250099 LongJohnSilverBeachLiveBaitMasterJigCaster
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 15, 2018, 02:49:45 PM
Quote from: thorhammer on November 15, 2018, 02:11:13 PM
here it is, the 250099 LongJohnSilverBeachLiveBaitMasterJigCaster

WOW! Very nice!
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Cortez_Conversions on November 15, 2018, 04:55:08 PM
Best quote I've received so far is $1522 for 5K pcs. 14-16 week lead time. Let me know how serious of a demand this is....
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 15, 2018, 07:26:10 PM
Quote from: Cortez_Conversions on November 15, 2018, 04:55:08 PM
Best quote I've received so far is $1522 for 5K pcs. 14-16 week lead time. Let me know how serious of a demand this is....

I'm in for at least 100. What size did you spec? Thanks.
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: RowdyW on November 15, 2018, 08:51:27 PM
Quote from: Cortez_Conversions on November 15, 2018, 04:55:08 PM
Best quote I've received so far is $1522 for 5K pcs. 14-16 week lead time. Let me know how serious of a demand this is....
That's just over .30 each. That's a real good price. Half the price of Penn original slotted screws. I'm in for at least 100.      Rudy
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 15, 2018, 08:59:38 PM
Make it 400.
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Cortez_Conversions on November 15, 2018, 09:03:06 PM
1/2" long is what I had quoted.
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: thorhammer on November 16, 2018, 12:26:09 AM
I'll take a 100
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: swill88 on November 16, 2018, 12:43:59 AM
Quote from: thorhammer on November 16, 2018, 12:26:09 AM
I'll take a 100

Me too.
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Swami805 on November 16, 2018, 01:30:09 AM
I'm in for 100
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: RowdyW on November 16, 2018, 03:15:30 AM
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on November 15, 2018, 01:48:09 AM
Quote from: RowdyW on November 14, 2018, 10:05:37 PM
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 :-\
The problem with a flat side under the head it will not alighin the plates correctly. It turns out to be a guessing game as to correct alighinment. A screw with a taper under the head automaticlly lines everything up. I guess to clear the eccentric lever it has to be bent.
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: swill88 on November 16, 2018, 03:44:26 AM
Quote from: RowdyW on November 16, 2018, 03:15:30 AM
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on November 15, 2018, 01:48:09 AM
Quote from: RowdyW on November 14, 2018, 10:05:37 PM
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 :-\
The problem with a flat side under the head it will not alighin the plates correctly. It turns out to be a guessing game as to correct alighinment. A screw with a taper under the head automaticlly lines everything up. I guess to clear the eccentric lever it has to be bent.

Good point Rudy.  Maybe secure and align the plate with stock screws then add the ss flat bottomed screws one at a time?  Thanks for bringing that up.
Steve

Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: foakes on November 19, 2018, 08:57:55 PM
Still waiting for 3 more quotes on the oval head 5-40 hex drive in SS.

In the meantime, I needed to order a few hex drive socket flat head countersunk for the bins — since they work very well — and keep everything below flush surface, and the holes aligned.  These are 5-40 - hex socket drive - SS.

4 different lengths — 200 of each.  Averages 4.3 cents per screw.

Not sure how this compares with others — but if anyone needs these, let me know and I will add to the order.  I have done business with these folks for over 45 years.  They are a local wholesaler to me.  So no shipping charges.

10 day turnaround due to the TG holiday for me to receive them.  They do not charge me extra for sourcing or shipping.

Best,

Fred

Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 19, 2018, 09:25:44 PM
Hi Fred,

I will take 100 of each if it's not to much trouble. Please let me know your preferred payment.

Thanks,

Frank
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 19, 2018, 09:43:41 PM
What are you using for the 6-40 bridge screws?
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: foakes on November 19, 2018, 11:17:23 PM
Glad to add them to my order, Frank —

For the bridge SS hex socket drive SS cap screws in 6-40, the threaded ones are easy.

And all I do for the ones that go to the clutch springs is chuck them up in a drill press, or on my lathe with a chuck I just file down the threads smooth like on factory screws — then just clean up the end threads a bit.

For two screws per reel, it is just a few minutes — and since they are SS — they are solid all of the way through — not chrome over brass.

I will keep this order open until tomorrow PM — but then we can always order more at any time.

The owner is a personal friend, and has been in business nationally for 66 years — 3rd generation.

They have (5) large warehouses full — and source worldwide if needed.

Pretty cool to go to their counter and and buy 5 pounds of floor sweepings for $8.00.   But they never match.  They can not afford to sort their droppings — just move them out.

They are fairly unknown since their main clients are government, public utility, military, and large tech firms.  It is not unusual to see a 8" hex nut for a turbine that sells for $165 to $370 each.  They are made to government specs.

They just do me a favor by selling me this small stuff. 

In another lifetime, they kept stocked all of my bins for automotive and trailer builds.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 19, 2018, 11:50:43 PM
On the 6-40 bridge screws I'll take:

100 ea. - 13/32"

100 ea. - 1/2"

100 ea. - 5/8"

If that's okay with you.


Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Reel 224 on November 19, 2018, 11:54:02 PM
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on November 15, 2018, 01:55:11 AM
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.

This process is close but you have to chanfer then chase the thread with die. I use a thread cutter to cut small screws on the lathe, SS is very brittle.

Joe
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: foakes on November 20, 2018, 12:36:54 AM
Yeah, Joe —

It takes a little finesse, either an SS nut or a die — and until you get the hang of it dialed in — you might waste a few screws.

But I think most anyone on here who could service, upgrade, and build a reel — could do it competently.

Just my opinions.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Alto Mare on November 20, 2018, 12:42:57 AM
I agree with Fred, anyone here could shorten screws with a little common sense.
I use a bridge plate, screw them in at the length I want them and hold the plate on a belt sander. When you back them out, the threads will usually get cleaned on their own.

Sal
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: gstours on November 20, 2018, 01:31:34 AM
  Sal and others,  you are right on.  the bridge is a light bulb on for the length.  I also find things hard to do.  then somebody sez. how to.... thats why i like this place....    thanks to all. :)
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Reel 224 on November 20, 2018, 02:11:08 AM
I sort of agree with that aproch, If you want to develop a true say 6-40 SS screw for the bridge that is none threaded shoulder and partial thread like the Penn Bridge clutch screw then filing a full thread screw weakens that screw. A partial thread screw with a shoulder is stronger because of the remaining material that is on the none thread shoulder. I hope this explains this.

Joe
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: foakes on November 20, 2018, 02:58:23 AM
Perhaps one thing we should keep in mind — these are just screws that hold the sideplates and bridge.

Outside of a salt fused screw left to die in an aluminum frame like an International, Accurate, or Tib frame I cannot recall over a couple of screws that were broken — maybe none...and I have been doing this for awhile now...

Most of the issues regarding broken screws come from yard sales, Mr. EBay, or someone's uncle who passed on 20 years ago — and never knew how to service his reels.

If they are properly greased, almost any screw will do the job of holding these parts together.  There is little stress on these screws.

Personally, I just like the hex socket because there is less chance of scratching a sideplate or frame when assembling, it is a quicker operation, and it looks cool...the SS is nice also.  A little stronger, and much better paired with upgraded sideplates and frames like Tom's, or Tib's, old Accurates, or others.  There is no goobering of the drive slots — we can torque it exactly where we want it — and it makes a neat and sanitary touch to our reels.

I have drilled out many a screw broken in aluminum frames — but never one that was properly greased and serviced regularly by folks who know about that trick like on our site.

Best,

Fred

Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Reel 224 on November 20, 2018, 03:17:11 AM
Fred: I hope I'm not steeping on toes here. Just my background in Engineering gets in the way ;) ;D......................Joe
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: foakes on November 20, 2018, 03:47:30 AM
Quote from: Reel 224 on November 20, 2018, 03:17:11 AM
Fred: I hope I'm not steeping on toes here. Just my background in Engineering gets in the way ;) ;D......................Joe

Of course not, Joe —

We all have our own styles of doing things.  That is what makes this site interesting. 

Your way is likely better than mine because of your gunsmithing and machinist background.

There is only one destination — but many routes to get there.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Reel 224 on November 20, 2018, 04:35:17 AM
Fred: I was comparing apples to Oranges I thing, I was comparing the socket head screw to the screws that you are talking about. My bad. Sorry  :-[

Joe
Title: Re: Oval Head Hex Drive
Post by: Frank on November 20, 2018, 07:37:21 AM
Quote from: foakes on November 20, 2018, 02:58:23 AM
Personally, I just like the hex socket because there is less chance of scratching a sideplate or frame when assembling, it is a quicker operation, and it looks cool...the SS is nice also.  A little stronger, and much better paired with upgraded sideplates and frames like Tom's, or Tib's, old Accurates, or others.  There is no goobering of the drive slots — we can torque it exactly where we want it — and it makes a neat and sanitary touch to our reels.

My sentiments exactly!