Port screws for the AIU

A related question is where to get screws for MTH eqpt.  MTH uses a variety of tiny metric screws, both machine and otherwise, which are not generally available in hardware stores and to order on line results in shipping costs that far outweigh the fastener costs.  Any ideas?

Rjr,

I received a call back from MTH. The screws are $.25 per screw and $9.50 to ship (that is were I thought i had a bad connection). Anyway if I buy 10 the shipping is the same.

Probably the same shipping for several hundred!

A few hobby shops carry a limitrd variety of tiny metric screws.  I suggest buying a screw gauge to determine diameter, and then going on line and order a broad selection.  Shipping wouls probably be less than MTH's price.d what sizes are generally use

I would ask GRJ &GGG what they do to keep in stock a selection of needed screw sizes, and what sizes are most used.

Try Lowes they have an assortment of metric and standard screws in pull out draws. I really don't know if they have something that small but it is worth a try.

Tried Lowes.  Didn't find any that small.

I know these are internet sources, but Micro Fasteners may have them and I don't remember their shipping costs being too outrageous a year or so ago?  Another one would be McMaster Carr, don't know about their shipping rates? Also Ace hardware has some small screws.

As for MTH and their $9.50 shipping minimum, Lionel has the same policy. I ordered some tiny springs for 25 or 50 cents each from them a while back, it was just like your screws, $9 or $10 for shipping, $1 or $2 for the parts.

I had to go to Lowes this evening, so I checked.  My Lowes has metric machine bolts down to M3, in 3 lengths.  I think most MTH bolts are M2.

rtr12:  When you need small parts, another solution is to e-mail one of the techs, like GRJ or GGG, for their shipping might be less.  I don't know what the webmaster's reaction would be to posting requests to buy parts.  That could be a whole new forum, but then the techs would be trying to bid against each other and that probably wouldn't be healthy for them.

If you have a Taylor Do It Center, they have a better selection and go down to much smaller dia.  G

Ok here is my problem with this, why cannot MTH take the 10 of these screws that i want to order, stick them in a regular envelope with with a USPS stamp on it? I am even willing to send them a self addressed envelope with a stamp on it. this is crazy that they do not even suggest this.

why cannot MTH take the 10 of these screws that i want to order, stick them in a regular envelope with with a USPS stamp on it?

The charge is for shipping and handling, like any other business. The people cost needs to be covered.

Unfortunately, GGG, Taylor has not yet moved beyond Tidewater.

Am I correct is assuming that most MTH machine bolts are M2?

Maybe when MTH re-issues its promised master parts catalog it will contain screw & bolt sizes. 

I have also had problems finding the replacement screws that go into plastic, but I have never seen metric screws in hardware stores.

You might also try a computer repair store or Radio Shack.  Other sources might be DigiKey.

George

Forget Radio Shack for metric hardware in those kind of sizes!  McMaster Carr Metric Set Screws might have the answer.

Try your local Hobby Town USA.

They carry m1.5 to m4 screws.

Robert,

Maybe when MTH re-issues its promised master parts catalog it will contain screw & bolt sizes. 

I've never heard of such a catalog ever having existed, let alone being "issued".

Thanks RJR, will keep that in mind. Hopefully it won't be happening too often.

Someone mentioned DigiKey, don't know if they have screws, but their shipping rates are the cheapest I have seen (next to the free shipping from Asia offered on some ebay items). They have great packaging and I don't think they have ever charged me over a couple buck for shipping on small orders and they ship extremely fast. Great place!  Gunrunnerjohn is the one that told me about DigiKey, it was a great tip, thanks again John!

quote:

I've never heard of such a catalog ever having existed, let alone being "issued".

I have a book of MTH explosion diagrams and parts, which was put out by MTH a number of years ago. I am on the road this week. I can check for a publication date when I get back.

C.W.,

Please also check for completeness.

I have the RailKing Parts Catalog, perhaps that's what he's referring to?

quote:

Please also check for completeness.

I wouldn't know what to check. I purchased it directly from MTH.

I know it's similar to the one John posted. I'd guess it's the first edition.

That's what I have, and a similar book for the Premier which bears the date 1999.   Unfortunately, screw sizes aren't given, just the MTH part number.  I suspect that most of the parts showsn other than electronics, are still used on similar locos made in this century.

Not having a list of everything MTH had made by that time, I can't check for completeness.  The R-K book is 14mm thick and bears a $5 price.  The Premier book says $2. 

Thanks for the lead, MRich.

I don't have the Premier book, I got cheated when I went to the ASC classes.

http://www.digikey.com/product...screws-bolts/2097339

DigiKey just might become my new source for screws as well! 

Gentlemen,

  Gunrunnerjohn is right on the money as usual, McMaster-Carr should have them in stock, shipping should be reasonable with them.  Good Lord I do believe I should purchase stock in that company, just because my O guage train needs.

PCRR/Dave

Has anyone actually identified the screw size/length/head for the AIU terminals as the OP requested?