Stanley #78 Thumbscrew Size

[Jim Foster]

My Stanley #78 is missing the shouldered thumbscrew that holds the depth stop in place. Can anyone tell me the thread size for the thumbscrew?

[Pedro Reyes]

I once had a piece parts from the bay and was looking at screws I needed, I tried everything from the lineside bins here at the shop, nothing worked, I later read that they used oddball threads. I actually ordered one from Stanley (were available a few years back 5 or so, maybe still are) but that was for the plane made today, it did not fit the early 1900's I had.

Pedro

[Jim Foster]

I just checked St James Bay and they have them listed for $3.00. A darn site better than the $18.00 or so I see them listed on ebay for. They list the thread as a 10/28. Thanks for the tip on availability from Stanley, it made me think of St James Bay and the Stanley parts they sell.

[Sam Stephens]

I use a 1/4-20 thumbscrew w/ a washer and have a good fit.

[Mel Miller]

I use a 1/4-20 thumbscrew w/ a washer and have a good fit.

If you're using 1/4-20, your plane has been drilled & tapped out to that larger size. Also, the slot in the depth stop would have to be opened up to get a 1/4-20 thru it.

[Jim Foster]

I tried a 10/24 screw last night, the fit was perfect, but it would only screw in a quarter turn or so, so I think it's the 10/28 indicated on the St James Bay website.

[John Powers]

Jim, I have it in my hand. Yours for postage.

[Jim Foster]

John. Thanks very much PM sent

[Sam Stephens]

If you're using 1/4-20, your plane has been drilled & tapped out to that larger size. Also, the slot in the depth stop would have to be opened up to get a 1/4-20 thru it.

my mistake. looks like mine is a 10-28 as well.

[Max Withers]

I don't know what the pitch is, but it is the same as my 151 spokeshave tension screw. DAMHIKT.

NHPLANEPARTS (?) has reasonable prices for this sort of thing on that auction site.