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Anyone have an idea of where I can get large plastic head screws?

Equipment Equatorial Mount DIY
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ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar
I bought a used paramount MyT tri pier for use with my mounts using a 3/8" bolt. I cut an aluminum plate and fastened it using bolts and connectors for spacers, but I would rather have bolts that I can tighten without needing a wrench. Bolts with a large plastic knob or star shape would allow hand tightening and not require a wrench. The only ones I can find are too short or the wrong thread pitch. The pier uses a 3/8" and 24 thread pitch which is not popular. The bolt needs to be 4" long. Does anyone have suggestions of where to find such a thing, or will I need to make my own?
I've included a picture of the setup.
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Yannis Doukakis avatar
Yannis Doukakis avatar
3D print them!
ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar
Yannis Doukakis:
3D print them!

I would love to , but I don't have a 3D printer, although I am thinking seriously of buying one once I research them.
Ted avatar
Ted avatar
Hi Scott, perhaps here? I'v used them before: https://www.jwwinco.com/en-us/

Another option: https://www.mcmaster.com

Ted
ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar
Hi Scott, perhaps here? I'v used them before: https://www.jwwinco.com/en-us/

Another option: https://www.mcmaster.com

Ted

Thanks, I tried McMaster before, but they didn't have anything long enough or the correct thread pitch. The other link looks promising.
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Yannis Doukakis avatar
Yannis Doukakis avatar
Yannis Doukakis:
3D print them!

I would love to , but I don't have a 3D printer, although I am thinking seriously of buying one once I research them.

I can send you designs for smaller screw heads in Fusion 360 which you can scale up to your size. Then you can order them to JLCPCB to be printed in ABS or even metal!
Bob Lockwood avatar
Bob Lockwood avatar
You can build your own from McMaster Carr. Just get the knob you want, threaded, (no post) and get the all-thread you need and put them together.

McMaster-Carr

all thread rods | McMaster-Carr
ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar
Bob Lockwood:
You can build your own from McMaster Carr. Just get the knob you want, threaded, (no post) and get the all-thread you need and put them together.

McMaster-Carr

all thread rods | McMaster-Carr

Thank you! I found what I need, although it took a bit of searching as the 24 count thread pitch is not very common compared to 16.
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John Hayes avatar
John Hayes avatar
Ssmileaid:GGL:CSM-2295:6VHHZD:20500801:APZ_1&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21369464100&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1JjDBhDjARIsABlM2SsbtOZbbc4QXUPAvi1VRGpsqvwb6PGFkN6yWp1nKO3PHEBWiIDkijYaAkZiEALw_wcB">https://www.grainger.com/product/3GER3?gucid=N:NSaid:GGL:CSM-2295:6VHHZD:20500801:APZ_1&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21369464100&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1JjDBhDjARIsABlM2SsbtOZbbc4QXUPAvi1VRGpsqvwb6PGFkN6yWp1nKO3PHEBWiIDkijYaAkZiEALw_wcB

This sort of snap-on knob will simply attach to your existing bolt head and turn it into a knob.  You just have to be sure to buy the right size.

John
ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar
John Hayes:
Ssmileaid:GGL:CSM-2295:6VHHZD:20500801:APZ_1&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21369464100&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1JjDBhDjARIsABlM2SsbtOZbbc4QXUPAvi1VRGpsqvwb6PGFkN6yWp1nKO3PHEBWiIDkijYaAkZiEALw_wcB">https://www.grainger.com/product/3GER3?gucid=N:NSaid:GGL:CSM-2295:6VHHZD:20500801:APZ_1&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21369464100&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1JjDBhDjARIsABlM2SsbtOZbbc4QXUPAvi1VRGpsqvwb6PGFkN6yWp1nKO3PHEBWiIDkijYaAkZiEALw_wcB

This sort of snap-on knob will simply attach to your existing bolt head and turn it into a knob.  You just have to be sure to buy the right size.

John

Thank you, I'll check them out. I had what I needed from Mcmaster Carr, however I had to cancel my order due to shipping concerns to canada.
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ScottF avatar
ScottF avatar
Bob Lockwood:
You can build your own from McMaster Carr. Just get the knob you want, threaded, (no post) and get the all-thread you need and put them together.

McMaster-Carr

all thread rods | McMaster-Carr

I got exactly what I needed from them. They are fantastic to deal with and I received my parts in just a couple of days. Thanks!
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