Source and correct screws for attaching trucks to Weaver freight cars

necrails posted:

I have several Weaver cars obtained over the past several years that either lacked screws or had the wrong length.  I believe the correct screws are #2-56 but I cannot find the correct length.  1/2 inch is too short a visit to the local HD got me 3/4 inch, still no good.  I feel like goldilocks.  Is there an alternative?

Contact Micro Fasteners in New Jersey. They carry small screws of all sizes & lengths. Also, for what it's worth, if the screw is too long, it really will not matter on a Weaver car, since it is hidden inside the boxcar. Flatcars of course would be a different situation.

2-56 screws should be easy to find at a real hardware store or hobby shop? Maybe automotive also? appliance parts ? 

eBay - always check eBay when - or even before - all else fails:

2-56 Machine Screws, Phillips Pan Head, Stainless Steel All Lengths Qty 100

We still have a Radio Shack - they carry small screws.

As mentioned above, many Weaver truck screws are never too long, as they are hidden inside the body....but, wait! What about flats, tanks, gons...? 

https://www.mcmaster.com/standard-rounded-head-screws

Steve

I'm surprised 2-56 x 3/4 inch didn't work. What type of cars are you repairing?  I recently did about a dozen Weaver cars (boxcars, ACF hoppers, stock cars) that were all 2-56 x 3/4. (Some were slotted head, mostly phillips head.)  I purchased this assortment of stainless phillips head screws that would cover almost everything. They are of good quality and saved me lots of time and money I would have spent looking around...

I needed 1" screws when changing out plastic trucks for die cast on some Weaver Hoppers. I bought 1 1/4" 2-56 screws from Polou.com. I went for the extra 1/4" just to be sure and just knocked off what I didn't need with a Dremel cut off wheel.

All the weaver cars I have dealt with use 2-56 in various lengths.   My local Hardware store (not a big box) usually has some lengths in stock and will order by the box if I want something else.    Also, Walthers packages a bunch of sizes and my local Hobby Shop sells them.   They are usually more expensive than the hardware, but I can get smaller quantities rather than ordering.

Buy the 3/4 inch screws and a couple nuts to fit.  Screw a nut all the way on and mark off the length you need with Sharpie or scratch with fine file.  Get the Dremel Moto grinder with cut off wheel (the easy to brake up ones), secure the screw and nut in vise and cut the screw off to correct length squarely.  Then dress the end of the screw with the side of the cut off wheel or a fine file and then screw off the nut.  You should have a correct length screw with an end that will start in any correct thread.

Charlie

The GN MAN, Weaver hopper cars, 3/4 inch were not long enough to pass through the truck and the detail piece on the bottom of the car and provide any "bite".  Guys, it isn't that the screws are too long, they are not long enough.  Too long even I could fix.  

Thanks all for the responses.  I guess it will be Ebay package of 100, should be enough for the rest of my life.