Recently getting back in to HO model railroading. I purchased a Train Miniature brand kit for a Frisco Fast Freight double sheathed box car. Unfortunately, the kit was missing screws to attach the trucks. Can anyone recommend the correct size of screws that I should be getting from my local hardware store? Thanks!
HO trucks usually use 2-56 x 1/4" or 3/8" screws. It is unlikely that you will find these at a hardware store, but a hobby shop may have them. There are a number of websites that sell them, search for 2-56 screw
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Hi Steve!
Welcome back to the hobby!
Here is a great source for all kinds of small fastening hardware:
https://www.microfasteners.com/
George is right about the 2/56 screws being the most common. I keep several different lengths on hand.
https://www.microfasteners.com/home.php?cat=567
However, when I look at a Train Miniature parts diagram the screws shown appear to have a coarse thread:
http://hoseeker.net/TrainMiniatureslist/tm40doublesheathedboxcar2000pg1.jpg
It actually doesn't make a lot of difference whether the thread is coarse or fine as long as you stick with the same style of screw and don't switch them back and forth in the same opening.
Self tapping screws are great too, although the regular screws do a decent job of cutting their own threads.
https://www.microfasteners.com/home.php?cat=691
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
For price comparisons. Walthers and micromark also have them. Grainger and fastenal are two other potential options so is amazon
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
Also, modeltrainstuff.com
I got my 2-56 x 1/4 from ebay. They are black, shipping is free and it's $7/100 Some people tap the holes and some don't. I do. Kadee or Dubros make a drill and tap set.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddy I got my 2-56 x 1/4 from ebay. They are black, shipping is free and it's $7/100 Some people tap the holes and some don't. I do. Kadee or Dubros make a drill and tap set.
I will second this but,will add you can get them cheaper $4.99 for 100 with free shipping.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Don't buy anything longer than 1/4 inch.
slammin Don't buy anything longer than 1/4 inch.
I wouldn't say that. I've seen some 5/16th screws show up in kits.
Omaha53 if they don't they will order a box of 100 for me
I used to do this at a local hardware store, then they started charging UPS shipping to have a box of 100 screws drop shipped to their location. $8 or$9 shipping for a purchase of a few dollars!
You will not find machine screws, which is their correct name, at home depot or loews. Some smaller independent hardware stores may stock them. You may also find them in electronic parts stores where you can buy capacitors and things of that sort which is where I would look first. Your local hobby store has over priced ones from Kadee. If they are too long you can easily cut them with the bolt cutter which is built into some wire strippers. That is what I always do.
Lone Wolf and Santa Fe You will not find machine screws, which is their correct name, at home depot or loews. Some smaller independent hardware stores may stock them.
You will not find machine screws, which is their correct name, at home depot or loews. Some smaller independent hardware stores may stock them.
I think I found some at Home Depot before. And here's a link to online purchase. A bit pricey, but available.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Hillman-Group-2-56-x-1-4-in-Phillips-Pan-Head-Machine-Screws-50-Pack-3727/204801184
Not endorsing HD, merely pointing out an option.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
I just bought a TM double sheath NYC boxcar. The screws are 1/4 inch, 2-56's - not self tapping or coarse. The hole is not tapped.
Paul
NittanyLion slammin Don't buy anything longer than 1/4 inch. I wouldn't say that. I've seen some 5/16th screws show up in kits.
Train Miniature kits include 3/16 long 2-56 screws for the trucks. Sure you can use longer screws, but if you glue the kit weights in their intended position and run a screw thats too long in the bolster, the screw will jack up the weight. Always better to do it right than have to do it over.
Thanks for the info...much appreciated!
My local hardware store usually has whatever I need, but modeling-sized fasteners weren't on his radar. I think I'll try to "negotiate" for him to order a pkg of 100 in the 3 lengths for me, depending on the final price.
My source is a number of local train shows. The bigger ones have a "tool guy" with screws, and the smaller ones have a "screw guy" who also sells vehicles and a lot of Accurail kits. He is always freshly stocked at every show.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
My local, independent hardware store carries them and smaller. Unless you need a large quantity, I'd try them.
Good luck,
Richard