Vertias "custom" hand plane question

[Jason White]

I recently bought couple of Vertias "custom" 4-1/2 & 5-1/2 bevel-down planes from Lee Valley. They are wonderful and I love them. My only complaint is that the allen screws that secure the "blade carrier" and chipbreaker are easily stripped. I've also lost the cap screw that secures the Chipbreaker more than once. Anybody have a solution?
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[Jack Dover]

Lee Valley customer support would be first on my list if the screw is lost. If you still have it, just figure what it is in terms of diameter and thread pitch, then buy a 25 or a 50 count bag of it from Fastenal or a similar vendor. Lee Valley doesn't manufacture them in-house, so most probably it's just a standard fastener.

[Derek Cohen]

I am sure Lee Valley will replace them. But the question is, “how do you manage to mangle them?”. I have owned and used these planes longer than anyone and my screws remain pristine.

Very early on I purchased a driver, rather than use the hex thingie ..



Secondly, the button-headed screw is tightened first. If you tighten the hex head first, the blade will moved slightly.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Jason White]

I probably just overtightened them. Will try to find a driver. I still think the screw/blade carrier design is odd. Thanks!

I am sure Lee Valley will replace them. But the question is, “how do you manage to mangle them?”. I have owned and used these planes longer than anyone and my screws remain pristine.

Very early on I purchased a driver, rather than use the hex thingie ..



Secondly, the button-headed screw is tightened first. If you tighten the hex head first, the blade will moved slightly.

Regards from Perth

Derek