I lost one of the screws for an old Stanley Bailey 4 1/2 jack plane I was restoring. It's the one that secures the base part of the handle to the sole (not the long screw that goes through the handle, but the short one). I've found that it's a 12-20 screw, but can't seem to find anywhere that sells replacements. I don't know if there's a modern equivalent and thus no one stocks them, or that the demand is just not there so no one stocks them. So I was curious if y'all knew any good resources.
its the same thread as the frog screw, so if you can find a frog screw it will work. Its got a different profile, but it works and is pretty much unnoticeable. you can also buy one
Doc: Is a toe screw what I need though? I thought the toe was on the complete opposite side of the plane? Mine doesn't even have a toe I don't think. Unfortunately the link you posted only has the reference to a place to buy all the screws for some $24 + shipping. A bit of a last resort at this point as I'd like to get just the screw if possible.
Don: So a frog screw will work in its place? Seems like St. James has a few of those. Naming this thing has been the hardest part of looking for it.
Thanks to all for the suggestions thus far. Planing with a wiggly handle is a bit of a challenge.
the toe screw is the short screw in the front of the base of the rear tote and is found on #5-#8 planes.
I don't know what's up with that pricing; in the past I have bought them for $1.00 each through that site (usually in quantities of 10 or so to make it worthwhile).
Personally, I'd go to my local big box hardware store or local Ace Hardware and search throught their selection of bolts. If you already have the thread size , it is simply a matter of matching the style of head that you need. It might not be "authentic", but it would solve the "wiggly handle" issue.
You'd be searching your local Ace for a long long time then. His problem isn't the head style, it's the thread. If you know of a hardware store of any type that sells 12-20 bolts and screws then please let us know…
Yes, the Standard #12-24 coarse, #12-28 fine-Unified screw threads.
#12-20 is special, however they were found on very old American motorcycles, and some other old mechanical items. Usual applications would for fastening in aluminum castings or other soft metals.
Taps and dies can still be found at much elevated prices, over that of the Unified forms.
The alternative is a lathe.
You an get 12-20 thread screws from McMaster Carr. Beware that they are modern zinc plated screws so they will look a little funny next to the old steel ones.
Jonah, if you can back that up with a link-that'd be great
This is not, by a long shot, the first time that a discussion of antiquated thread sizes has come up, and I don't know of any modern supplier who stocks 12-20 machine screws.
>> Try Fastenal. A search should show if there is one locally. Any fastener distributor or industrial supply house should have them.
We have a Fastenal down the street and a Bolt and Screw company in town. But if these are outdated screws, I"m not sure they'd be present in a modern stock?
Just buy a junk plane at a garage sale for a buck and salvage as many parts as you can. Any Stanley from a 4 1/2 thru 8 is going to have that screw. If you don't want to spend the time, PM me your address and I can probably send you one for the cost of postage.
Those screws are NOT #12. They're 7/16', so the major diameter is 0.21875, not 0.216. Worse yet, the threadform is Whitworth (55°, not the UTS standard 60°, rounded peaks). If you're having a machinist make these, give them the correct specs or give them a sample to measure. These screws are like a pre-BSW Whitworth. The combination of major diameter and thread pitch (0.05") is unique.
#12-20 taps and dies are available, but your nuts will be tight and your screws will be loose unless you get an adjustable die. With an adjustable die you can loosen the screw and thread a piece of 7/32" D2 drill rod, cut some flutes, harden and temper it. Make one tapered and one for bottoming and you're golden.
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