screwdriver for SS question

iclark · Post by **iclark** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 3:33 pm

I cannot seem to find a source for slotted screwdrivers for the screws that SS uses.

as near as I can tell, the 518114 Truss Head Screw takes a 1/2" slot screwdriver. they seem to be used all over SS equipment. an easy example is to attach the legs to the MarkV. there also some screws that appear to be 7/16" slot in some of the SPT stands.

I have found some sources for 3/8" screwdrivers, but nothing larger. Sears sent me to Harbor Freight:eek: , Lowes and Woodcraft sent me to Sears. Home Depot didn't have anyone in that department.

I haven't been to Ace yet.

so, is everyone re-grinding old chisels or brace bits, making do with too-small screwdrivers, or is there a source?
preferably for both nubby and medium length. would not object to interchangeable tips if they are sturdy.

cocacola1012 · Post by **cocacola1012** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 3:58 pm

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&so ... CBsQrQQwAA

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 5:10 pm

iclark wrote:I cannot seem to find a source for slotted screwdrivers for the screws that SS uses.

as near as I can tell, the 518114 Truss Head Screw takes a 1/2" slot screwdriver. they seem to be used all over SS equipment. an easy example is to attach the legs to the MarkV. there also some screws that appear to be 7/16" slot in some of the SPT stands.

I have found some sources for 3/8" screwdrivers, but nothing larger. Sears sent me to Harbor Freight:eek: , Lowes and Woodcraft sent me to Sears. Home Depot didn't have anyone in that department. I haven't been to Ace yet.

so, is everyone re-grinding old chisels or brace bits, making do with too-small screwdrivers, or is there a source?
preferably for both nubby and medium length. would not object to interchangeable tips if they are sturdy.

Look for a 'mac tools/ truck Auto supply stores. Antique store!!!;)

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:08 pm

If you look at good quality products like SK or Proto and you are willing to buy a real screwdriver (knot a bit), you will have no problem finding the right size. Mac, Matco, and Snap-Onare other good sources.

dave5358 · Post by **dave5358** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:21 pm

iclark wrote:I cannot seem to find a source for slotted screwdrivers for the screws that SS uses.

As near as I can tell, the 518114 Truss Head Screw takes a 1/2" slot screwdriver. they seem to be used all over SS equipment. an easy example is to attach the legs to the MarkV. there also some screws that appear to be 7/16" slot in some of the SPT stands.

That's easy. Take them out one time only and replace them with Allen-head machine screws (FH or RH). Ace/Handyman hardware (Hillman hardware merchandiser) and Do-It-Best Hardware (don't recall whose fastener merchandiser) both sell stainless Allen-head replacements machine screws for all of the screws in question. The legs are held on with 1/4-20's FH screws (5 per end as I recall). The motor mount screws are 1/4-20 RH (4). The casters are held on by 1/4-20 RH (4 per end). You might also replace the various headstock screws with Allen-head fasteners.

I just went through a rebuild on my 'greenie' and replaced every screw. Most of my screws had rusted. Strangely, the square nuts were all rust-free. Different supplier, maybe? While you're at it, buy some extra toothed washers - you'll probably be missing a few.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:56 pm

iclark wrote:I cannot seem to find a source for slotted screwdrivers for the screws that SS uses.

so, is everyone re-grinding old chisels or brace bits, making do with too-small screwdrivers, or is there a source?
preferably for both nubby and medium length. would not object to interchangeable tips if they are sturdy.

Okay as much as I hate to show my stupidity, which model of SS do you have? I ask because my Mark V's use no slotted heads. I agree with the idea of using Allen Heads. They don't strip. Jim

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 9:15 pm

I use a large Craftsman screwdriver for the straight slotted screws that hold on the legs and the casters. Works great.

iclark wrote:I cannot seem to find a source for slotted screwdrivers for the screws that SS uses.

as near as I can tell, the 518114 Truss Head Screw takes a 1/2" slot screwdriver. they seem to be used all over SS equipment. an easy example is to attach the legs to the MarkV. there also some screws that appear to be 7/16" slot in some of the SPT stands.

I have found some sources for 3/8" screwdrivers, but nothing larger. Sears sent me to Harbor Freight:eek: , Lowes and Woodcraft sent me to Sears. Home Depot didn't have anyone in that department. I haven't been to Ace yet.

so, is everyone re-grinding old chisels or brace bits, making do with too-small screwdrivers, or is there a source?
preferably for both nubby and medium length. would not object to interchangeable tips if they are sturdy.

iclark · Post by **iclark** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 2:18 am

fjimp wrote:Okay as much as I hate to show my stupidity, which model of SS do you have? I ask because my Mark V's use no slotted heads. I agree with the idea of using Allen Heads. They don't strip. Jim

the 1/2" slotted screws are holding the legs on my '89 510, all the joints on the storage station, and the leg assembly for the free-standing gray scroll saw. the power station has the 7/16" slotted screws for its leg assembly. I don't remember the other SS's being different, but those 4 I worked on in the last week.

somehow, the idea of throwing away dozens of perfectly good screws just so I can spend money on their replacements does not appeal to me.

sorry to sound negative, but I also do not share your experience about Allen head screws not stripping.

Ivan

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:02 am

iclark wrote:the 1/2" slotted screws are holding the legs on my '89 510, all the joints on the storage station, and the leg assembly for the free-standing gray scroll saw. the power station has the 7/16" slotted screws for its leg assembly. I don't remember the other SS's being different, but those 4 I worked on in the last week.

somehow, the idea of throwing away dozens of perfectly good screws just so I can spend money on their replacements does not appeal to me.

sorry to sound negative, but I also do not share your experience about Allen head screws not stripping.

Ivan

The older mark 5 models(greenies, Goldies, Magna Americsan ) hat oval head(counter sink) headed screws to retain the legs. The Newer Shopsmith Inc. Mark V have flat holes and use truss head screws. These same screwsare used many other places(power stands, power stations etc.).

dave5358 · Post by **dave5358** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:53 am

iclark wrote:somehow, the idea of throwing away dozens of perfectly good screws just so I can spend money on their replacements does not appeal to me.

sorry to sound negative, but I also do not share your experience about Allen head screws not stripping.

The screws in question would probably not require any attention in routine use. Really, how often do you remove your legs or casters? But if you are doing a refurb and the screws are rusted (mine were) or buggered, switching to stainless fasteners is worth considering. For the legs and casters, we're talking about 18 fasteners total.

Truss head screws are a pain in the rear. No matter which screwdriver you choose, it's never correct. Allen head screws solve this problem. Plus, you can easily control the tightening torque on installation. Since Allen head fasteners were clearly known to the folks at Shopsmith, I wonder why they didn't use them for these specific applications in the first place.

And for these specific application, Allen head screws will never strip. Even on components that you install and remove frequently Allen head fasteners will give much better service than slotted screws. If you should notice an Allen wrench slipping or loose in a socket, you might examine the wrench carefully. If it's rounded or worn at the tip consider grinding off the tip of the wrench (or replacing it).