I have a Weaver TOFC that the screw for one truck fell out and vanished into thin air.
Ive been having trouble locating a replacement screw. Any one have a source or replacement option?
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I have a Weaver TOFC that the screw for one truck fell out and vanished into thin air.
Ive been having trouble locating a replacement screw. Any one have a source or replacement option?
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The following may be alternative sources for screws if you cannot get the originals, these are stainless:
https://www.microfasteners.com...rection=0&page=1
http://www.fastener-express.co...crews-stainless.aspx
https://www.boltdepot.com/Cata...5EAAYASAAEgLkL_D_BwE
When all else fails, drill & tap for 4/40, and use a 4/40 screw.
My repairman says he can find screws for Atlas and Weaver at ACE Hardware.
Does anyone know what the specific size of the Weaver screw is? That would be a good jump off point on line or when I go into Ace.
Weaver used #2-56 machine screws to mount their trucks. The length may have varied a bit depending on the specific car configuration. A common length was 3/4"; however, they may have used a shorter length screw on the flatcars...I'm not sure. Just measure the length of the screw that's holding the other truck and you'll have the answer!
I have hundreds (in various lengths) on hand in my parts supply as I do a lot of work with Weaver trucks. If you don't have any luck finding them locally, send me an email and I'll gladly hook you up with a few of each length.
greg773 posted:Does anyone know what the specific size of the Weaver screw is? That would be a good jump off point on line or when I go into Ace.
Just a suggestion, the other end of your freight car still has the truck attached, correct? Why not take THAT screw out, take it with you to your local hardware store, and ask them to match it?
My guess is a 1" 2 56 machine screw. Some were shorter, but when changing Weaver plastic side frame trucks, to die-cast trucks, the longer screws were require. Care needs to be taken, the screws can penetrate the hopper.
Just finished upgrades to die cast trucks & couplers on six Weaver boxcars and six ACF hoppers. The truck mounting screws were stainless 2-56 x 3/4 inch, mostly Phillips head but a few were slotted. (Go with the Philips.) As previously noted, shorter screws may have been used on flatcars.
trumptrain posted:My repairman says he can find screws for Atlas and Weaver at ACE Hardware.
Yes - hardware stores are always a place to start when looking for...hardware. They won't have the very small screws found on Asian brass locos, but 2-56/4-40 and other "Lionel/MTH screws" are possible. Just take another one with you, if you have it, for a starting point.
And, Radio Shack has been a source of 4-40/2-56 nuts and bolts in the past. We still have one; drove past it last Saturday; open.
Hot Water posted:greg773 posted:Does anyone know what the specific size of the Weaver screw is? That would be a good jump off point on line or when I go into Ace.
Just a suggestion, the other end of your freight car still has the truck attached, correct? Why not take THAT screw out, take it with you to your local hardware store, and ask them to match it?
I tried that. Was asked “what is it for” and was told “we don’t sell screws for things like that”
helped myself and ended up with screws that looked correct but didn’t fit right.
i did a bit of leg work on this and the best advice I was given was “ask someone specifically what screw you need” so that’s what I did.
thanks to all who replied, now at least I have some numbers to use when looking so I’m not just guessing!
greg773 posted:Hot Water posted:greg773 posted:Does anyone know what the specific size of the Weaver screw is? That would be a good jump off point on line or when I go into Ace.
Just a suggestion, the other end of your freight car still has the truck attached, correct? Why not take THAT screw out, take it with you to your local hardware store, and ask them to match it?
I tried that. Was asked “what is it for” and was told “we don’t sell screws for things like that”
Just my opinion but, I would sure find a different/better hardware store to do my shopping. All the person had to do was find a nut that looked like it would accept your screw, and thus you now know the exact tread size. Besides, it is none of there business what the screw is for,,,,,,,,,just sell me some more!
helped myself and ended up with screws that looked correct but didn’t fit right.
Again, simply try different nuts on your screw sample, until you find the correct one.
i did a bit of leg work on this and the best advice I was given was “ask someone specifically what screw you need” so that’s what I did.
thanks to all who replied, now at least I have some numbers to use when looking so I’m not just guessing!
Mike CT posted:My guess is a 1" 2 56 machine screw. Some were shorter, but when changing Weaver plastic side frame trucks, to die-cast trucks, the longer screw were require. Care needs to be taken, the screw can penetrate the hopper.
That’s why it’s important to look at/measure the length of the other remaining screw. I doubt they’re 1” long on a flatcar...but I suppose anything is possible. At least he knows now to look for 2-56 machine screws...that is what Weaver used.
A well stocked Ace hardware store has just about any machine screw you might need. I know that in years past I could find screws for Weaver trucks. I even found a very small metric screw to attach a part of the feed water heater for my Lionel Legacy Berk that was missing when I opened the box.
Looks like Amazon has a great assortment pack of 2-56 screws. With Prime free shipping I will have them tomorrow afternoon and will be set for what ever length I need now and in the future!
I bought my supply through Fasten-all. I got 100 2-56 x 1 in black Phillips pan head screws for about $5. The real trick is to only buy one size...1 to 1.5 inch long and cut them to my needs. Everybody already has the tool for this! Check out your wire cutters. Around the pivot point is a series of holes for several size screws to trim them. You may have to look around for a pair with 2-56 since it is as common. The cutters are also available in metric...
Weaver used 3/4" 2-56 screws for most of the ultra line production. The exception was the die cast trucks to hopper cars( 2,3,&4 bay hoppers). Those used the 1" 2-56 screws.
Here in PC we have several industrial and specialty fastener dealers in town. I've been able to find that missing C- and E-ring or metric screw there. Usually they won't even go to the effort to write up an invoice. Just try googling "buy screw and fasteners in ???"
Jan
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