Are your cap head/grub screws filling with swarf?

Why not just blow them out with an airline?

Regards

Paul

Sounds like an idea worth trying. Alternatively you can fill them with grease. I use this on allen bolts on my bikes.

Gary

Good idea, would a wire "stalk" help? I've got some plastic rods of different sizes ,roughly hex in section, these can be cut into short lengths and stuck in a near size hole. They were originally meant for plugs in stone walls, for which they are useless. Also I have an old foot pump fitted with a suzy and a bit of small bore pipe, this is ideal for blowing out, chuck cleaning etc. Watch your eyes . PS Suzy is coiled plastic tube as found on HGV tractor units.

Sounds like a good idea. I dislike any blowing of swarf esp brass - tends to get places I can't see

I have tried to get 1/4 Whit x 3/4 long square headed set screws for my toolposts No luck so far I want a dozen if anyone has any ideas i'd be pleased otherwise I think i'm going to have to get some key steel and make my own

Roy

I stick a piece of sellotape over the cap head screws on my tools etc.

Jo

If using the Silicone sealant method - be aware that most of these sealants evolve acetic acid during curing, which can lead to rusting.

Suggest only using on non-critical (or protected) surfaces.

If you look hard you can find 'neutral cure' Silicones (typically used in electronics).

I use the silicone method. never had a problem with rust either.

Such fun!!!!!

I use a Dick Smith desoldering tool, those who live in NZ, or Austrailia will know these as a rubber bulb with a Teflon tip, normal use squeaze bulb, tip next to molten solder, let go, solder gone, but just as good as a blower. Ian S C

Well I get swarf in cap head/grub screws (and every place else), so silicone sealer is something I must try. Is it necessary to oil the inside first so it is possible to extract the plug?

Thor

Hot melt glue from a glue gun may also work if it contracts enough when it cools.

Les.

I have seen hot melt glue to set a zero clearance insert in a table saw. The area where the glue was to set was first coated with wax then the glue was place in the four spots, let cool a little, then the insert was placed in the still soft glue. The insert was leveled with the table top and after a minute or so the insert was removed leaving the glue attached to the insert with perfect alignment next time it was used. I haven't tried it but a spray on, dry lubricant should also work. As mentioned above silicone does pose a problem in relation to the acid but only while curing. These holes and screws are usually coated with oil or can be, so that would be a barrier to the acid released while the silicone cured.

Alex

So how many would like a share of these to fit M5 cap head if I get a 1000 will split in 100s about £2.60 / 100 inc postage cash in envlope or paypay.

**LINK**

seems a simple solution

Shame they dont do 2.5mm for m5 grub screws then could get right length grub screws and cover.

Steve

Michael W - here's a link to square head screws. They even list metric sizes from M6 up!

**LINK**

These folks have darn near everything in industrial supplies and fasteners, at reasonable prices. Not sure if they ship to UK though.

I have seen some 1/4-20 sq hd setscrews recently in my local hardware store, believe it or not. Might be old stock.

The silicone-in-screwhead recess trick was the standard practice in the 1980's when GM started using Torx head screws on car brake calipers. If any rust built up in the recesses of these highly torqued screws the mechanics could not get them out. The designers compounded the sin by having the heads set in recesses in the castings so you couldn't get vise grips on the head OD either. Lovely. Anyway, mechanics soon learned to fill the screw heads with RTV silicone to keep them operable.

JD

I bought some square head screws for my Dickson toolholders from a UK seller on Ebay; not sure if he still lists them. As and when I need some new square head screws for my 4 way toolpost it shouldn't be beyond the wit of man to make some.

Yep, I still use a 4 way toolpost on the centre lathe, even though I've got a genuine Dickson toolpost and holders on the shelf.

Regards,

Andrew

The non-environmentally friendly solution: a butane refill can for cigarette lighters. Insert delivery tube into SHCS or grubscrew, and press down momentarily on base of can. Sfety specs on, or eyes closed.

Andy

bluetack & plasticine.

Hi Jeff D

Your link gives a plentifull supply of lots of goodies - ? Do they deliver to UK as they are in Atlanta ?

Hi HomeUse - Did you read this line in my post? "Not sure if they ship to UK though."

Those wanting items from McMaster Carr will need to enquire with them directly.

JD