Points cover screw threads and sizes.

[John mitchell]

I have a idea. I’ve replaced the original slot head screws that fasten the points cover to the engine block with Allen head screws. A vast improvement over trying to start the bottom slot head screw into the hole on the block. What I’m thinking now is. What if I replaced the short Allen headed screw with on that is say 1.5 inches long and use a couple of nuts with a star washer placed between the nuts to serve as a jam nut. Those of course would be set to a distance that would allow to tighten down the bottom hole of points cover and stick out enough that you could start it into the hole with your fingers instead of hoping the Allen wrench stays in place when you’re trying to start that screw into the hole. Maybe it think too much. But what size are the screws? Thanks

 

[kphill]

I have a idea. I’ve replaced the original slot head screws that fasten the points cover to the engine block with Allen head screws. A vast improvement over trying to start the bottom slot head screw into the hole on the block. What I’m thinking now is. What if I replaced the short Allen headed screw with on that is say 1.5 inches long and use a couple of nuts with a star washer placed between the nuts to serve as a jam nut. Those of course would be set to a distance that would allow to tighten down the bottom hole of points cover and stick out enough that you could start it into the hole with your fingers instead of hoping the Allen wrench stays in place when you’re trying to start that screw into the hole. Maybe it think too much. But what size are the screws? Thanks

John, What else works well is carefully slot the bottom hole so you just back off the allen screw and remove the cover leaving the screw in place..

 

[John mitchell]

John, What else works well is carefully slot the bottom hole so you just back off the allen screw and remove the cover leaving the screw in place..

Excellent idea. So simple it’s brilliant. Something I am not! Thanks a heap.

regards
John Mitchell

 

[1811Cub]

10-24 x 5/16"

 

[dschwandt]

Use Allen (socket) head screws instead. they will at least stay on the wrench better.
Or get yourself a "wedgie" screw driver.

 

[kharvey]

A tiny dab of electricians duct seal on the screwdriver tip will hold the screw to get it started. My old dad called plumbers dumb dumb.

 

[digger]

I've been selling allen heads for 20+ years.

 

[digger]

10-24 x 5/16"

Actually they are 10-24 x 3/8"

 

[dsarow]

As David said,get a wedge screwdriver, after your eye sight starts to go downhill,your fingers lose their nimbleness,and the shop light moves,the milk crate starts to rock you're sitting on,you'll wish you had extras.Don't ask me how I know.

 

[John mitchell]

Thanks for the replies y’all. I have allen headed screws installed. The idea of making the bottom hole of the points cover a slot, seems to be a good idea.

 

[RAllison]

Funny to see this discussion I reset my points Fri night and I'll bet I dropped that screw half a dozen times!

 

[1811Cub]

If you insist on using the original style screws, these can make your life easier..

https://www.amazon.com/Screw-Holding-Screwdriver-Klein-Tools-SK234/dp/B0002RIA3K

 

[jkoenig]

Can still get them in time for Christmas!

 

[RAllison]

Can still get them in time for Christmas!

I saw that!

 

[RAllison]

I'll bet my wife really needs a set of those

 

[awoloch]

Clever looking Klein Tools. Thank you 1811Cub!

 

[jkoenig]

I hope for your sake she likes them better than my wife liked her Milwaukee pole saw, blower, and trimmer...

Even though they have done a ton of the work she wants done to make her pool life more enjoyable...

 

[RAllison]

 

[tkhoffman]

If you insist on using the original style screws, these can make your life easier..

https://www.amazon.com/Screw-Holding-Screwdriver-Klein-Tools-SK234/dp/B0002RIA3K

I have one of these. Owned it for better then 45 years. My dad gave me his spare. A must have for starting some screws. Get the screw in and a few turns then use a standard screw driver so as not to ruin the tip