Littoral
143 posts
Oct 27, 2010
7:13 AM
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Reed plates and covers, can someone help me know exactly what I need? Also, which bit? Thanks!
Last Edited by on Oct 27, 2010 8:43 AM
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TNFrank
578 posts
Oct 27, 2010
8:47 AM
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You'll just need to pull one and use a thread gauge to get the pitch of the threads then use some calipers to get the dia. of the screw then look around for em' someplace. Sorry I can't be more help. Maybe Google will have some info.
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oldwailer
1405 posts
Oct 27, 2010
8:55 AM
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I like to use 2-56 x 1/2" screws--they are usually available at True Value hardware stores. If you don't tread the plate, you'll need nuts. The 1/2" screws will stick on through the plate just far enough to support the cover. I just cut a little off the screws with a Dremel for the cover--where you will definitely need nuts.
A cheap online source for the right sizes of screws and nuts in small quantity is Amazon--True Value can be handy, but they're really expensive. . .
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nacoran
3076 posts
Oct 27, 2010
9:14 AM
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I just used 0-80 3/8 inch screws with 0-80 Tap, a #55 tap drill and a #52 clearance drill. That worded fine for the plates. I didn't have the patience to tap through the chrome on the cover plate so I just widened them a bit. The 3/8's would have been perfect length if I'd tapped it, but they are a little short to put a nut on, so I'll get a set of 1/2 screws. (7/16 might work) I had to get a tap wrench too, so it set me back about $30, but half that was the tap wrench and another $6 was the tap stuff. The screws were cheap. I found them at a Train Hobby Shop. I got 0-80 nuts to go with them. Really though, since you are making the holes you can go with any screw that will fit. You want to keep it small diameter so it doesn't split the wood. The 0-80's will almost be invisible!
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Last Edited by on Oct 28, 2010 9:35 AM
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KingoBad
462 posts
Oct 27, 2010
9:43 AM
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Many people have ordered from these guys:
http://www.microfasteners.com/catalog/products/MSC.cfm
I go to True Value like Oldwailer. I just took my harp in there and held the screws up to see which ones would work. I like the profile of the screws with a smaller pan head instead of a larger round one. If you are using a nut, the size of the bit won't matter as much, you can always work your way up in diameter if you don't get it right. Mine are pretty snug.
The screws will protrude a little on the bottom side. I prefer not to cut them. After my younger life of making and repairing glasses (family business) I was used to the problems of messing up the threads on a screw when you cut or file them. It was easy for us to simply replace the screws every time we needed one if it became difficult, but we also had a bench full of tools to make things easier. At 50 cents a screw, that seemed a little much for continued maintenance of my harps. For regular access, I chose to leave mine long. I do not notice it when I play, and I get that thing in my mouth pretty well - but everyone is different I suppose.
I would also suggest leaving in the back nails when drilling the front holes and vice versa if you are planning on replacing the back nails (I don't). Thought I would throw that in, you might already know or worked it our logically, but if it saves you trouble, well there it is.
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Littoral
145 posts
Oct 27, 2010
10:04 AM
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Much Thanks!!
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TNFrank
581 posts
Oct 27, 2010
10:06 AM
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Lowes also has a pretty good selection of screws and stuff just in case you don't have a Tru-Value near by.
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arzajac
387 posts
Oct 27, 2010
4:17 PM
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EDIT: Whoops! I thought I read MS, not MB. I use M2 10mm for everything on a MB.
MS reed plate screws are tapped M1.6. 10 or 12 mm work fine.
http://www.microfasteners.com/catalog/products/METMSPPS.cfm
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Last Edited by on Oct 27, 2010 4:18 PM
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Baker
80 posts
Oct 28, 2010
5:18 AM
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I use the cover plate bolts form the MS series to replace the cover plate nails on Marine Bands. I also use self tapping M2 Allen Screws for the reed plates – http://www.harponline.de/shop/pics/ersatzteile/diverse/300_003210.jpg.
I'm in the UK so order from http://www.harponline.de. Not sure where you'd go in the states.
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