Screw to mount Weaver die cast truck to Weaver car ?

All my Weaver use a 2-56 screw, thread doesn't matter too much because it goes into a plastic base, Are these boxcars?

Clem

Clem is correct, Weaver trucks mount with a 2-56 screw. I've occasionally seen a #2 sheet metal screw on older cars. I'm not sure if that came from the factory that way or if some previous owner changed the screws. The longer screw is required because of the additional height added by the knuckle couplers. Unfortunately that also raises the ride height, but that's unavoidable. 

Since you will be putting the new screw back in a plastic hole into which the previous screw already formed threads in the plastic, you should get the same size (obviously you will) but also the same thread (ie, -52) which is a machine thread.  I don't know if a sheet metal screw that small is made... if it were, it would presumably be 2-28.  Just double-check this.  The 2-58 is a unified fine, there may be a unified coarse in this size, not sure.

Just a note: About 1954, the thread count standard was unified (with England, etc) resulting in changes to the thread counts in certain but not all sizes.  The most common Lionel examples I can remember are the 4-36 and 4-40 (UNF) which superseded it, except 4-36 was retained in the brass hex plug used in the O gauge switches and also in the long screw and nut in the aluminum observation car rear roof; the most troublesome example is the nose screw of the F3 diesel shell, which, while 4-20 sheetmetal after about 1954, had been (?)ST-Z in #4 with the earlier different thread count (slightly more coarse at 4-18, IIRC*)-- with the confusing situation that hardware stores including the big ones often sell #4 sheet metal screws in the Z pattern (gimlet point) in the pre-1954 thread count (perhaps because the Z-pattern is now otherwise obsolete).  The the Corporation's successors used... but I won't go there (*even in a 3/8" long sheet metal screw, that is enough to strip the plastic).

Additional note:  Since these trucks were made in the far East, they may have been furnished with metric screws (the US writes the standards for these also, fyi) and therefore the cars assembled with metric screws.  Just remember that to prevent stripping out, close will not be good enough.  But again, maybe Weaver sourced the screws on this side of the pond.

Work carefully as machine thread screws strip easily out of plastic.  Rotate the screw backwards (ie, outwards) when starting it, slowly, until you feel the start of the screw thread drop into the start of the thread already formed in the plastic hole (this can be difficult to impossible).

Don't over-tighten a second assembly (nor a first, as the truck will not swivel).

In trucks for separate sale, a small package of 4 different pairs of screws was packed, for use according to car and truck type.  Hmmm... I think I would pass the 3/4 inch screws along with the scale trucks to your friend-- at least one of you will not have as much trouble.

Good luck   --Frank

The #2 56 X 1" screw solves the problem of the short 3/4" screw.  Be careful the 1" screw may pop-through the shell of a hopper.  May be adjusted to slightly shorter than 1"  IMO.

Size 2-56 is NC (national coarse) and 2-64 is NF (National Fine).  I use 1-inch long screws if not concerned about piercing inside car.  For a car that the screw may pierce and be seen, will trim to fit.

Ron

Thanks everyone  for the information.  Over the years, I have messed up several Weaver cars using the wrong screws, usually a sheet metal screw.  Glad to know the correct fastener to use.  I was able to find the 2 -56 x 1 screws on line so I purchased 100 - should last me a while!

What a wonderful resource available here on this forum.

Thanks again,

Don

Another note on mounting Weaver trucks - ALWAYS use blue Loctite. Otherwise the screws can back out from the back and forth motion of the trucks. Don't use red - you want to be able to take it apart again if necessary!

You can always send an email to Kaydee about which screw to use.  They are always very helpful and know their stuff.

The #2 56 X 1" screw solves the problem of the short 3/4" screw.  Be careful the 1" screw may pop-through the shell of a hopper.  May be adjusted to slightly shorter than 1"  IMO.

I have done dozens of Weaver 3 rail plastic to die cast truck swaps and the 1" screw protruding through the hopper slope sheet interior has not happened if you use both the die cast trucks and die cast lobster claw coupler.

Yes one will need the 1" 2-56 screw for all weaver hoppers from 2 bay to 4 bay high side when using the die cast trucks and couplers. I got a supply from Weaver models a year before they closed to complete my PRR fleet of 3 bays.

Just to chime in:

Screws.

Hardware stores.

Take original with you; too-long can be cut off. These are not "precision mounting hardware".

Many hardware stores carry relatively small screws.