Torx and security screwdrivers are commonly available online. A simple Google search will find them Cannot remember the online store I bought them from but use to order them before the Internet when I had their paper catalog. The bit end of the driver is usually shown. Google images will show a lot.
Many model trains now use Phillips screws for the most part. Maybe not the couplers. I much prefer Phillips screw.
Must have eight sets of jewelers screwdrivers around the house./work bench/tool box.
For those screws that seem to loosen up, a tiny dab of blue Loctite works just fine and it is removable type Loctite. Have used it for many years.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Rich,
The security Torx set I have,are sockets,that go in a socket screw driver and also the plain screw drver, with and without security Torx. What I really meant about, the carb,really wasn't for the Torx screws, but the gazillion parts,that are in that variable ventura carb, that was the nightmare.
BTW, The car was a 1985
Cheers,
Frank
Frank,
Those VVTs would run real nice, for awhile. Then a driveability concern would cause a carb rebuild. And many times the problem remained. So guys would then begin to try and make adjustments which made matters worse. The real fix on a VVT, if the carb rebuild did not correct the problem, was a new timing chain.
Vacuum was critical with this carb, more so than any other. So once the chain stretched and the engine lost a couple of Hgs, the carb no longer opened at the precise moment.
At one time Ford sold a factory approved 4 barrel intake and carb to replace the VVT for some applications. Also, a 2 barrel was available.
Jim
Moses45:
32 posts and nobody has answered your exact question. The slot gripping screwdrivers do work if the screw head is in good condition. If the slot is worn, they won't hold very well. I haven't seen mine for years but back before I got so brazen as to toss out slot screws I used mine regularly.
For those who haven't seen a slot gripping screwdriver, it has the blade divided into two pieces and there is a little spreader that pushes the two halves of the blade apart. You put the blades into the slot and then slide the spreader until the blades push against the sides of the slot. That holds the screw in place. Note that you can't apply any more force to the blades than what is necessary to just start the threading.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I have a couple of those screwdrivers but they were not very good for real small straight slotted screws. I bought the smallest I could find.
I have used cutting wax and sometimes a tiny bit of super glue to hold straight slotted screws. Whatever works.
Mainly Kadee coupler mounting with the supplied screws.
2-56 and larger screws the slot tool tool works ok.
The five prong device I have found is the best for smaller screws.
All my work bench hardware is Phillips.
Dave, that is the kind of screwdriver I have ordered. I hope it works because I have about 20 pieces of rolling stock from which I will remove the trucks. Good old Harbor freight has magnetized jewelers screw drivers, so I might try that if all else fails.Jim Hedinger from the magazine sent me a message that 3 prong holders are available from Micro-Mark and walthers. Several others also told me this. What I want is a 3 prong holder with a slotted screwdiver centered between the prongs.
I admire your tenacity for wanting to stick with the slotted screws but I have to ask why when they are such a nuisance to work with and there are much more functional screws available i.e. Phillips #2-56 x 5/16" which will be an exact replacement.
I am not familiar with US sources for Phillips screws so maybe somebody down south can help with suggesting a source. Here is a Canadian source:
http://www.hobby-worx.com/
I hope I don't have Brakie in a real snit for sticking with the "toss the slot screws" theme. Sorry Brakie - each to his own. By the way Brakie you do not need to use a 3 prong screw holder on small Phillips screws. Like I suggested - put a magnet on the shaft of your screwdriver. Works like a charm! That is unless you are using stainless screws or if you don't have a small magnet in which case you have to use Brakies method, or earwax, or paint, or black sticky stuff, or soldering paste, or tweezers.......have I missed anybody?.
Places, that have R/C cars, trucks and airplanes,have all sorts of Miniature,screws,nuts bolts,Etc.
They are not just unique,to Model Railroad items. Some,even sell the tools.
In the very beginning, I posted a link for a FREE Micro-Mark catalog, never said you have to buy. from them, a great reference and they had the tools in question and who they were made by. Just like a Walthers catalog, a great reference source, although, I have bought from them many times,that doesn't mean everyone has to.
hon30critterI hope I don't have Brakie in a real snit for sticking with the "toss the slot screws" theme. Sorry Brakie - each to his own. By the way Brakie you do not need to use a 3 prong screw holder on small Phillips screws. Like I suggested - put a magnet on the shaft of your screwdriver.
No worries your money.
As far as my three prong..I would be lost-nay helpless without it.Shaky shake hands and tiny screws not a good combination and I never liked a magnetized screwdriver.Also I can start tiny screws with my three prong.
That three prong remains the most useful hobby tool gift I ever received.
Did I mention I use a ratchet type screwdriver? I use this because its easier for me to use left handed.I also use my Dremel tool for drilling 2-56 holes for Athearn's BB coupler box lids because its faster and much easier then using a pin vise.I also use one of those fancy dancy battery powered paint mixing tools.
BTW..I use both standard head and Phillips head 2-56 screws.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
BRAKIEI would be lost-nay helpless without it.Shaky shake hands and tiny screws not a good combination and I never liked a magnetized screwdriver
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
What I am looking for is a screw grabber like a friend of mine had until it broke. He'd had it for 30 years, so it didn't owe him anything.
His grabber was perfect for doing brass models as it was only a 2-finger gripper. Instead of wire fingers like your typical 3, 4 or 5 prong grabbers, it only had 2 pieces of brass sheet metal that ended in V's and came together perpendicular to the shaft of the grabber. It allowed easy and secure grabbing of small screws and bolts, and on brass locos that could mean #1, #0, and #00 screws (not to mention the hex bolts on the valve gear).
The only problem is that I cannot find one. I found a picture of what it looked like, but not one for sale:http://www.piano-tuning.com/images/ScrewGrabber.gif
I may have to make one at this rate.
Paul A. Cutler III
Look up Wihatools.com on internet. I think they will do the trick. Hope this helps.
Ken Amos Jr
Shanny10
B&O, C&O, PRR
Just lovin trains
shanny10 Look up Wihatools.com on internet. I think they will do the trick. Hope this helps. Ken Amos Jr
Ken,
I was, browsing,that site,the other day, kept the URL,but didn't post it:
http://www.wihatools.com/300seri/394serie.htm
Latest episode of Cody's Office (episode 10) shows a Kadee screw grabber in use to start truck and coupler box screws.
maxman Latest episode of Cody's Office (episode 10) shows a Kadee screw grabber in use to start truck and coupler box screws.
I got my Quick wedge scredriver from STANLEY online today. It does exactly what it says it will do. It gripped and held the tiny screws that hold the coupler and box assemble so you can start and run them in. Got it here http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/quick-wedge-holding-screwdrivers/g/7901.
Glad to hear that you are happy with it! I'm also happy to hear that your screwdriver is substantial enough to drive the screw all the way. I would suggest that you limit the amount of force lest you bend the blades. Years ago when I was managing the Hardware Dept. in Sears Canada's Peterborough store I saw more than a few of them come back because they were bent. Good old Craftsman warranty replaced every one of them but they had all been twisted from too much force.
Brakie:
You will be proud of me. I assembled an Athearn BB kit tonight and decided to use the slot screws. I will need a lot of practise before I can do it without the screwdriver slipping out of place constantly. However they are in and will stay in until the car has to be disassembled for weathering. Even then I might leave them in and put "Brakie's car" on the side in graffitti style lettering. No offense intended.
Dave,
''Excellant'', Idea, I would, like to see, the car. Maybe, you could throw in, ''ISL,ONLY''.
hon30critterEven then I might leave them in and put "Brakie's car" on the side in graffitti style lettering
Then Frank said:
''Excellant'', Idea, I would, like to see, the car. Maybe, you could throw in, ''ISL,ONLY''
---------------------------------------
Frank - You got me.
What does "ISL, ONLY" refer to? Brain fart.
hon30critter Frank - You got me. What does "ISL, ONLY" refer to? Brain fart. Dave
I believe, ''The Rookie Brakeman'' got it covered.
zstripe Dave, I believe, ''The Rookie Brakeman'' got it covered. Cheers, Frank
Frank and Larry:
Thanks for the explanation. I remember seeing the acronym before now that I think about it.