Brass inserts for 520 style rails missing - fixable?

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Wed Sep 13, 2017 12:13 pm

Just curious if anyone has fixed 520 rails that have their brass inserts missing? I have a couple rails like this now, would like to get them into a usable state.

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Skizzity · Post by **Skizzity** » Wed Sep 13, 2017 12:31 pm

On my original 520 table one of the brass inserts inside the rail had broken loose from the outside brass. With pliers I removed the rest inside and replaced it with a wing nut. I had to grind down the wings a little for the tube to fit but problem solved. If the outside brass is missing, put a washer there. Good luck.

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dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Sep 13, 2017 1:37 pm

Strange things are happening. I responded to this post once but I see no sign of it now.

Anyway, I may have what you need depending on the size of the hole that is in the rails. The part that I have (see attached image) is aluminum (not brass) and its outside diameter is .331" (21/64".

It works sort like a pop rivet. When put outer pressure, the body mushrooms out to hold it in the hole. Once installed, it works just like what was there originally. There is an installation tool but they are rather expensive. I'm sure it can be installed without the tool. I'll play with a couple and see.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Sep 13, 2017 3:17 pm

I found the tool. It wasn't packed away as far as I had thought.

A couple more images and a link to a less expensive tool (that I have never used).

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https://rivetnuttool.com/store/

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Thu Sep 21, 2017 1:16 am

Picked up the HF threaded insert kit today for $24 after tax:
https://www.harborfreight.com/45-piece- ... -1210.html

Seems to have worked ok. Here are the results:

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As is often the case, the correct keywords for searching were the big help that got this sorted out. Thanks!

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Sep 21, 2017 7:42 am

What length insert did you use? When you tighten the knob, do you feel any indication that the insert is rotating in the hole?

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Brass inserts for 520 style rails missing - fixable?

Brass inserts for 520 style rails missing - fixable?

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Re: Brass inserts for 520 style rails missing - fixable?

Re: Brass inserts for 520 style rails missing - fixable?

Re: Brass inserts for 520 style rails missing - fixable?

Re: Brass inserts for 520 style rails missing - fixable?