Please help me find a small screw

orthobiz · « **on:** 17 Jan 2013, 12:37 am »

I am setting up an old ADC turntable as a gift. The tonearm lift platform is supposed to be held in place by a small screw that is missing. This gives the lift enough play that the stylus wants to hit the grooves as the tonearm goes closer to the center of the record.

I have a 4-40 screw and it is too big. The ADC is out of Canada. Any idea what kind of machine screws to try? I don't need a 100 of them, either. I can't find the right assortment. It looks like a "3" size screw would fit, maybe a 3-48 or 3-56?

Any help appreciated, thanks.

Paul

SteveFord · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 01:02 am »

I would be thinking Metric, no?

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 02:03 am »

Can you take the part to your local hardware store and go through their screw assortment?

orientalexpress · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 02:28 am »

i would try radio shack,i have good luck with them

S Clark · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 02:50 am »

Most cities have a specialized industrial screw supply store. Find one in your town and take the unit there. They will find one to fit.

pansixt · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 03:05 am »

Try these folks: http://www.fastenal.com/web/home.ex

Bonne Chance,
James

jtwrace · « **Reply #6 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 03:16 am »

McMaster Carr

dB Cooper · « **Reply #7 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 03:26 am »

Everyone needs a little screw now and then

Hank · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 04:31 pm »

personally, I'm overdue for a BIG one!

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #9 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 05:59 pm »

Micro Fasteners specializes in just that and you can order direct.

http://www.microfasteners.com/catalog/index.cfm

woodsyi · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 06:28 pm »

I know you said you don't want 100s of screws but I found this eyeglasses/watch screw set to be a handy to have around. I already repaired my wife's eyeglasses twice on different occasions. It's cheap -- $7.90 shipped for 250 screws.

If you only want 1 screw, you should take the tt to a local hardware store that stocks micro screws. I know my local ACE store does.

jtwrace · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 07:02 pm »

deleted.

orthobiz · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 08:10 pm »

Thanks for the suggestions. I was hoping to bring home a microassortment of screws, maybe the Radio Shack idea is a good one. Otherwise, we have a Home Depot and that's about it. The smallest they have is 4-40 and I don't want to sit on 100 screws.

Another AC member says he might have one so I'll check it out!

Paul

JackD · « **Reply #13 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 09:35 pm »

Try ACE Hardware. I have bought as small as 2mm

mark funk · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 10:55 pm »

This is funny. I make screws for a living. What kind of head do you need? Flat head, pan head, hex head, slot head, phillps head theres more? How long? I don't make small
machine screw like that I make larger stuff like 1/4 / 28 Texx 5 up to 8"long that self drilling and self tapping into a max of 1/2 steel I beams. But I can go in the crib and get an assortment of small stuff and send then along if you like? Remember I have DQ10s also. PM me and we can get them off on Friday.

orthobiz · « **Reply #15 on:** 17 Jan 2013, 11:58 pm »

OK, some pics with my iPhone (it's just too easy to post to Flickr with Instagram!)

The hole in question is smack dab in the middle of the photo.

The tonearm is moved over the record, exposing the rubber circular tonearm holder of the cueing mechanism.

I put a 1.5 mm Allen wrench in the hole, so there will be no confusion...

I took the cueing platform out. The platform sits deep on the silver threaded piece (the one that needs the screw) and it looks like the screw only needs to be 5 or 6 mm long...

Paul

AVnerdguy · « **Reply #16 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 12:09 am »

I've got it covered Paul. PM me the address. I'm tearing down that exact TT but I've got other bins with plenty that would fit.

orthobiz · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 12:27 am »

Quote from: AVnerdguy on 18 Jan 2013, 12:09 am

I've got it covered Paul. PM me the address. I'm tearing down that exact TT but I've got other bins with plenty that would fit.

Thanks so much. I bought this TT on the cheap from Wayner a couple of years back, my daughter used it but prefers a Beogram right now. I had put a vintage ADC XLM II that I bought new on information from John Chair Guy. Now it gets parts from Dean AVnerdguy. And it goes to my friend's 12 year old daughter for her birthday in March! Gotta keep the records spinning...

Paul

mark funk · « **Reply #18 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 12:28 am »

Hm, I see, the thing now. What thread is it? Standard or metric? It looks like a standard hex head would work just fine. I mean I have the stuff to find out what theard it is but I am here and you are there. Shit it's no big deal, I well put both standard and metric and an assortment of head types in the bag. Let me know.

orthobiz · « **Reply #19 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 01:03 am »

Quote from: mark funk on 18 Jan 2013, 12:28 am

Hm, I see, the thing now. What thread is it? Standard or metric? It looks like a standard hex head would work just fine. I mean I have the stuff to find out what theard it is but I am here and you are there. Shit it's no big deal, I well put both standard and metric and an assortment of head types in the bag. Let me know.

Dean thinks he is sending me the perfect screw; if it doesn't fit, Mark, I'll contact you thanks!

Paul