Putting on my clip

[longbow]

Ok so today I decide, screw it I am going to put on my pocket clip on my Jeff Hall folder. So get a 5-40 tap, matching drill bit, thinking that how can this be. Well after the first broken drill bit, using a hand drill with a level on the back of it, it can be kind of difficult. So the bottom line is that I have the holes drilled and tapped. Now the tap says 5-40 and it is a #38 drill bit I used to match the tap. So what screws do I use? Cause the screws I was going to use from an old CRKT won't work. I looked at knife kits.com and they list 4-40 screws? I am assuming the 5 I used is slightly bigger? Yes/no? Anyways any suggestions are appreciated and if you can steer me in the right direction I would appreciate it. Everything came out fine in the end with drilling and tapping too. keepem sharp

 

[Phydeaux]

Since you have the knife drilled and tapped with for 5-40 screws, you need to use 5-40 screws. The nominal diameter for 4-40 screws is about 0.11" and about 0.12" for 5-40 screws.

I don't know what threads CRKT uses. I would get some 5-40 screws so that you know they are the correct size. Places like McMasterCarr should have them, or a good hardware store. I have found small screws at electronic surplus/supply places. One of the local ones has a big assortment of surplus screws. They have both standard and metric. I don't remember if they have 5-40s. I'll check next time I stop by.

I am curious as to why you chose 5-40s. I usually like to use 1-72 or 2-56 screws for clips.

Ric

 

[longbow]

Thanks for the info. I kind of figured it out after searching on line about the size of the tap. I used this size cause that is what the hardware store had in stock. Basically I just wanted to get it done and this is what they had so voila, I used it. I'll get some 5-40 screws. I wouldn't think it would make that much of a difference on what holds the clip on. They are fine thread and with some blue loctite I should be alright I would think. Thanks for responding too. keepem sharp

 

[Robs92XJ]

I'm wondering where you even found a 5-40 tap. Once I went to a couple of hardware stores looking for a 5-40 die (for some project or other) and could not find it. The guys I asked at the store did not think they had ever seen a 5-40 screw. I had just decided I needed one based on the listed diameter (I was trying to cut threads on a 1/8" brass rod).

Anyways, good luck finding the screws at a hardware store. I second the suggestion about McMaster Carr. And for future reference, the thread type listed on a tap or die is the same as the nut or bolt/screw used- So use a 10-32 tap if you want to thread in a 10-32 screw, etc. That is one thing that is simple and consistent when it comes to threads.

Also, if you plan on doing more tinkering with stuff, a small drill press (<$100) or one of those contraptions that turn your hand drill into a drill press, make projects like these much nicer. My 10" drill press is the most used tool I own (besides my knives, of course).