Machine Threads in Pinblock, was WD-40, now plate screws!

[Ron Nossaman]

> This is ever so slightly off topic at hand, but I’ll run with it 
> anyway.  I’m going to be using the 3/8” x 16 thread x 4” long socket set 
> screws for plate screws as you, Ron, Del, and others are doing.  What 
> size drill bit are you using to drill the hole in the rim? (or drill the 
> plugs glued  in the holes, as it were).  Are you tapping afterwards?  
> What size tap if so?

Holes filled with epoxy/wood flour, drilled 5/16", no tapping. 
I've tried "tapping" by running a 3/16x16 rod in and out 
before the bolts go in, but it eats the threads off grade 2 
all thread pretty quickly. A sacrificial set screw, or long 
grade 8 bolt will work, or just run each bolt straight into 
the hole, mostly out, and in again. Leaves them tight but 
movable.


> I was able to get these screws, acorn nuts, etc at my local /Fastenal. 
> / One inch round brass stock as well for mass loading.  I mention this 
> for others, as there are supposedly 4000 of these stores in the
>  U. S., so you may just be able to run down the street instead of mail 
> ordering.   Lots of other stuff there that us weird piano rebuilders 
> might use or adapt, and they have a huge catalog. 

Looks like $3.96 each at Fastenal. MSC has them at $91.56 per 
hundred. If you plan on doing more than one, less than 1/4 the 
price is worth mail order. I'll be ordering another box soon. 
Now if I could just find some neat looking cap nuts at a 
similar price. FWIW, I think standard acorn nuts are fairly 
ugly, and everything I've seen so far that wasn't has been 
over $4 each.


> Also, these 3/8” screws miked out at .369 instead of the .375 that 3/8” 
> works out to.  Does that differ from your stock?

I get 0.371". Plenty close enough for me.
Ron N