I'm looking for a source for small wrenches that could be used to remove/install the bolts on the drive rods of steam engines. Up to now I have been using a pair of pliers, but would rather have a proper tool. Mantua used to inclued a wrench with their steam kits, but its not a one-size-fits-all situation.
I would appreciate any advise anyone may have.
Alphajet
alphajet I'm looking for a source for small wrenches that could be used to remove/install the bolts on the drive rods of steam engines. Up to now I have been using a pair of pliers, but would rather have a proper tool. Mantua used to inclued a wrench with their steam kits, but its not a one-size-fits-all situation. I would appreciate any advise anyone may have. Alphajet
Not knowing what size or brand locomotives you're talking about:
http://www.micromark.com/4-PIECE-NUTDRIVER-SET,7450.html
http://www.micromark.com/8-PIECE-PRECISION-NUTDRIVER-SET,7777.html
http://www.micromark.com/6-PIECE-MINIATURE-WRENCH-SET,7950.html
i have seen the nut-drivers on the same rack as the brass screws at the LHS. You will have to look close as the bag is the same size as the bags with the screws and taps.
micromark has some nice stuff but the wrenches and nut driver sets listed only go down to 3/32 and in HO scale, that is HUGE. i think about 9" scale. best to call around. perhaps some watchmaker could help you find a source. (if there are any of those guys left)
grizlump
I've heard of people going to a good hardware store and selecting the proper size socket head allen screw and making their own not driver. You have to file the head down a bit to get it to fit flush against the nut, but it's a lot cheaper than a $20 nut driver set.
grizlump9micromark has some nice stuff but the wrenches and nut driver sets listed only go down to 3/32 and in HO scale, that is HUGE.
Actually, the first MicroMark set listed above, http://www.micromark.com/4-PIECE-NUTDRIVER-SET,7450.html, goes down to 5/64 inch and is for an 00-90 bolt head.
A more important consideration is whether or not the screw the OP needs the wrench for is English or Metric. If you go to the Horizon Hobby website, http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/TechnicalSpecs.aspx?ProdID=DYN2819, they have a set of metric nut drivers that goes down to 1.5 mm.
A number of years ago I got a set of 10 small screwdrivers and 6 small nut drivers from Radio Shack. The smallest nut driver is listed as a #4 and 0.05 inches. It's been very handy.
- Harry
I believe that, with the proliferation of different international standards, a set of both English and metric wouldn't hurt-in any endeavour. Again, Micromark would be your best source; another source would be Bill the Tool man, out of the Dallas, Texs, area.
Yellowjacket EF3
Many thanks to all who responded. I'm going to try some of the suggestions given. I suppose that metric would be my best bet for brass engines.
Thanks again
I just ran across these and thought of this thread.http://www.mpja.com/email/04-14-09.asp?r=293393&p=17880+tl