Points Screw

Post by **woo** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 2:00 am

Tired of fiddling with the Points Screw I fitted one of these.

It is a socket headed cap screw and because it holds on to the Allen Key it is much easier to locate the hole in the baseplate when installing the points. It also makes the job of adjusting them much easier too because unlike a screwdriver the allen key won't keep slipping of when you loosen or tighten the points.

I found that it transformed the job of working with the points.

Post by **Judge** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 8:42 am

Great idea Woo

Post by **RogerRust** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 8:58 am

What thread and size is it?

Post by **Kevin** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 9:12 am

Great idea where can I get some.

Post by **57traveller** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 10:30 am

2 BA or not 2BA, that is the question.

sorry.

It's a 2BA thread so don't know how difficult they would be to obtain with a hex. socket head?
Excellent idea though.

Post by **woo** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 11:48 am

I didn't know what size the thread was so I drilled my baseplate (4.2mm) and tapped it for a 5mm Metric screw.

I can't substantiate 57travellers 2BA. It seems a bit big to me because a 2BA thread has an outside diameter of 4.7mm and takes a tap drill of 4.1mm. My old screw was smaller than that, although perhaps it depends on the distributor type. But if it is correct I can get 2BA Cap Screws for 17pence each. You would need to shorten the thread which is 1/2 inch long on the screws I can get.

I always carry a couple of spare sets of points in the car and I have found that on some sets you buy, and because I use a 5mm screw, I sometimes have to relieve the hole slightly on them to ensure a good sliding fit around the screw. But it's only a 5 minute job to ensure that new points will fit when needed and will be forgotten immediately you find how easy it is to install them.

Post by **57traveller** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 1:27 pm

Definitely 2BA on five old 25D distributors I have lying around and on those fitted to both my cars.

But anyway, whatever size they might be, if the correct thread socket head screws aren't available then your solution will be the easiest i.e. drill and tap for M5. Which are readily available.

Post by **woo** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 2:45 pm

Definitely 2BA on five old 25D distributors I have lying around and on those fitted to both my cars. icon_wink.gif

Well if that's the case as I said I can get them for 17p each. At that price it's probably worth having two of them. If enough people show interest I'd be happy to get some for the price of a first class stamp a pair and send the off if you forward me a reply paid envelope. If I get support for at least a dozen screws I'll get it underway.

I'll monitor this thread and at some point ask for PMs for my address.

Post by **Kevin** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:42 pm

Well I dont know about anyone else but if it can be confirmed that the thread is 2 BA I will have a dozen myself.

Post by **HarryMango** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:49 pm

Yes definately 100% 2BA (unless someones mucked about with it)

Rog

Post by **simmitc** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:29 am

I'll take a dozen as well please, so that's 24 alreay (me & Kevin). Who else?

I've always found that the worst one is the condenser screw - blue tack helps here, but can anyone get spare screws of the correct size?

Post by **57traveller** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:43 am

[quote="simmitc"] but can anyone get spare screws of the correct size?[/quote]

4BA - readily available, would probably need cutting to length. BA sizes are "oddball" the higher the number the smaller the diameter,

Post by **RogerRust** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:14 am

If your making up an order I'll have 5 of each 2BA and 4BA

thanks Roger

Post by **simmitc** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:56 am

simmitc wrote: but can anyone get spare screws of the correct size?

4BA - readily available, would probably need cutting to length. BA sizes are "oddball" the higher the number the smaller the diameter,

But all the condenser screws I've seen have been tapered with a comparatively coarse thread. I'll have to go and check ......

Post by **chickenjohn** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 12:06 pm

I've found getting the right screw driver makes using the original type screw to adjust the points much easier. I have a short stubby wide and thick flat bladed scew driver that fits the slot very well and has a nice grippy handle.

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 12:15 pm

And if you have a good magnetic screwdriver you don't have to worry about dropping it.

Post by **chickenjohn** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 12:26 pm

yes, the one I use is magnetic too!

Once again, having the right tool makes the job sooooo much easier

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 3:34 pm

I couldn't agree more!

Post by **woo** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 7:38 pm

OK,

The shop's shut folks. Kevin, Simmitc, RogerRust I have sent you PM's

Post by **Kevin** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:04 pm

Once again, having the right tool makes the job sooooo much easier

Agreed but an improvement is always welcome and you often find that when tightened the adjustment has moved slightly and a hex key will make it less fiddly.
Letter in the post Woo Thanks.