Small screw frustrations

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knifenerd

Joined
Dec 27, 2000
Messages
2,550
Is it just me or is it sometimes almost impossible to determine the size/type of some of the "tiny" screws that manufacturers use?

Sometimes I have had to resort to a magnifying glass to try to figure it out. Is it a .050 hex or a #4 or 5 Torx or whatever? Even then, sometimes it is not altogether clear. And the implications are serious--a stripped out screw will often be the result if you guessed wrong.

Even trying out a few different possible "candidates" from your arsenal of drivers will not be definitive in all cases.

Is it really necessary to go smaller than say a #6 Torx , the drivers for which are readily obtainable at any Sears? The #6 Torx is also readily discernable with the unaided eye?

Getting out my magnifying glass for the evening.
smile.gif


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Dick

AKTI Member # A001365
 
I can relate to having to get out the magnifying glass concerning these small screws they are using. A large number of them are Torx. Just bought a set of Craftsman because of this problem.

[This message has been edited by Walt2 (edited 06-22-2001).]
 
Almost all the really small screws, such as those on the BM 330 are Allen head, and the 0.050" Allen wrench is the proper tool. I have never encountered a Torx below T7 that I recall, but I do have Torx drivers down to T6.

Remember that some of these small screws are Loc-Tited in place, so if it won't move with moderate pressure, touch the hot tip of a soldering iron to the screw for a second or two and then immediately remove the screw while the Loc-Tite is softened.

Hope this helps, Walt
 
Just finished a custom rehandle of a William Henry. Its the one with the silver beadwork on the bolster. Swaped at the cheap Ivorite for some Mastadon Ivory. Was delayed two weeks because of the stupid tiny little Torx. Had to special order the stupid driver.

I think that is why they do it. It helps prevent the tinker from screwing up the internals.

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R.W.Clark

Proud Member : California Knifemakers Association
 
I have a couple knives with #5 Torx...still haven't found a #5 outside a set.
frown.gif



Steve-O
 
Steve-O

You can get the small Torx drivers, all the way down to #1 from www.wihatools.com

I have a couple of Elishewitz knives that required a #5 Torx.

My point is that it can be very difficult to "eyeball" the correct size for some of these extremely small screws.

The small William Henry knives also use Torx screws smaller than #6.

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Dick

AKTI Member # A001365
 
Boy can I relate. I have a "black hole" under my desk where these screws scurry off to whenever I drop one.

Are Philips and Allens SO BAD?? What's next "star of David six pointed star bit"?

The torx bits also seem to strip out far too easily, even the good ones.

My favorite for tourque and not stripping easily are the square heads but nobody uses them but mobile home manufacturers.
 
Dont forget spline drives, talk about easy to strip if you use the wrong tool say a torx.

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Member--Texas Knife Makers and Collectors Association

Usual Suspect
 
Speaking of small screws, what kind of screws are used in the microtech mini-socom. I'm having a heck of a time with them!
MAtt
 
knifenerd gave the link to answer the "where to get them problem."
smile.gif
WIHA Tools

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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Small screw frustrations</font>
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Please contact my ex-wives.
Unable toBELIEVE that I am the first one to say it,
I remain,
VG
Lowest Common Denominator Boy

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Actually VG, I can believe you were the first. What I can't belive is that it took you that long (How often did you hear that from your ex?).


(edit was to fix typo)
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It is not the fall that kills you. It is the realization that "yes, you did something that stupid."

[This message has been edited by bfm (edited 06-22-2001).]
 
T6 can be a bugger as well, why any need to go less is beyond me. My MOD CQD DD had T5? screws for the clip... *shakes head sadly*

frown.gif
, luckily the kind previous owner had installed a set of T6 screws on the actual clip.

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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
You can stop any snap-on , mac , cornwell truck you might see at a garage and they should have t4 and up but as stated most of the screws are installed with loctite i have had luck just putting my knife out in the sun on a black surface it gets pretty hot !!




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Some say the end is near. Some say we'll see armageddon soon. i certainly hope we will. i sure could use a vacation from this bull Sh!t three ring circus sideshow of freaks
 
General

My MOD CQD Mark II has what I thought were Torx 4 screws on the clip. I have heard that they are hex .050.

That's my point. You need a degree in optometry to figure out what these are.

Why not standardize on a T6 to make it a bit more "user friendly?

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Dick

AKTI Member # A001365
 
Originally posted by knifenerd:
General

My MOD CQD Mark II has what I thought were Torx 4 screws on the clip. I have heard that they are hex .050.

That's my point. You need a degree in optometry to figure out what these are.

Why not standardize on a T6 to make it a bit more "user friendly?

Yep, you will find NO argument from me! However I would prefer the T8 as the standard if possible. I have found the heads of T6 to be a little weak as well... If superglue is used you are stuffed!



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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
'in Spyderco I trust'
Click to expand...
 
the screws on the CQD are hex without a doubt i have a stealth and his big brother it would be nice if the knife makers would stay along the same hardwear lines.. but i think the big problem is the loctite i really don't see the need for it ?

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Some say the end is near. Some say we'll see armageddon soon. i certainly hope we will. i sure could use a vacation from this bull Sh!t three ring circus sideshow of freaks
 
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