Scale hex numbered screws

[mklotz]

Can anyone recommend a source for scale hex head screws corresponding to certain common numbered screws?

Let me explain more clearly what I'm talking about. The table below shows (column CC) the desired AF dimension (1.5 times major diameter) for numbered screws. Column DD shows what's available from virtually all the sources I've managed to locate (Small Parts, etc.). As can be seen, the easily available hex heads for #4, #6 and #10 are just too big. The differences, while small in an absolute sense, are very apparent on small models.

For a few screws, it's possible to make your own or file down commercial ones but for models with lots of screws it's just too tedious and time consuming.

AA = screw number
BB = major diameter
CC = desirable scale dimension across flats (1.5 * BB)
DD = commonly available across flats dimension

AA	BB	CC	DD

2	.086	.129	.125
3	.099	.149	?
4	.112	.168	.188
5	.125	.188	.188
6	.138	.207	.250
8	.164	.246	.250
10	.190	.285	.313

 

[chuck foster]

marv i hope this help's

http://www.microfasteners.com/

chuck

 

[GailInNM]

Marv,
I use American Model Engineering Supply. Not real cheap but good quality and good service.

http://www.americanmodeleng.com/id41.html

Gail in NM

 

[Blogwitch]

Marv,

I gather you are quoting US sized bolts, which I am not very familiar with.

BA are readily available here specifically with one sized smaller heads (6BA will have the normal head of a 7BA) to give a much better scale effect.

These are normal with smaller head size on top.

If you want to try that route, I can source and post if needs be.


John

 

[Cedge]

Marv
Be sure to check into the "Scale" options at microfasteners.com This solved the much of the "too big" problem for me.

Steve

 

[steamer]

American Model Engineering Supply


http://www.americanmodeleng.com/id41.html

Ron is a great guy and stands behind his work.

Dave

 

[mklotz]

My thanks to everyone who took the time to respond.

Bogs,

Yes, they're American numbered screws. I'm not ready yet to get involved with British sizes.

Steve,

Must be old age but I don't see any "scale" option at microfasteners. Their standard sizes seem to match column DD in my list.

Gail and Dave,

I had americanmodeleng.com in my bookmarks but skipped over them because they don't seem to have a facility for ordering online. It does look like their sizes are closer to scale so, on your recommendation, I'll revisit them and phone in my order.

 

[Cedge]

Marv
Not sure about what is shown on the web site, but their product list offers the scale sizes. Give the guy a call. He's friendly and really quite helpful. I had my order 24 hours after speaking with him last time. Good quality stuff too.

Steve

 

[Deanofid]

Marv, re: American Model Engineering. Just call them. I've dealt with them a number of times now, and they're really nice folks. Plus, they are interested in our hobby.

Dean

 

[steamer]

YUP

Everything I have ever gotten from Ron has worked as advertised....the first time..


My double lube pump on the boat is a prime example ........

Dave

 

[kvom]

I just got my order from American Model Engineering. Here's a photo of one of their 5-40 nuts compared to a standard nut from Enco: