Author Topic: Made mistake on lock plate, need help fixing it  (Read 1645 times)

Doc

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Made mistake on lock plate, need help fixing it
« on: May 12, 2018, 06:43:41 AM »
Assembling one of Jim's SMR kits and came to drilling and tapping the lock plate.   Had plate clamped in and was going to use an 11/64 bit to mark the spot as it fit the hole perfectly.   Then supposed to come back with a #29 bit and appropriate tap for screw.

Well i got distracted and now have an 11/64 hole in my lock plate..... too big.   Can someone recommend what size tap and screw to get for an 11/64 pilot hole?   What thread pitch and such.   I am terrible at all this stuff.   Much better with scalpel in my hands than micrometer!!

I can get another lock plate,  but thought surely i could open things up just a smidge and use what i have, 

Any help greatly appreciated.

Doc

Bruce O.

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Re: Made mistake on lock plate, need help fixing it
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2018, 07:28:40 AM »
Things happen but can be fixed.  The hole is already too big for a 10-32 thread so I believe you need to go to a 12-28 tap and find a bolt of that same thread, even if you have to alter the bolt head.  You can do it.

Bruce

Offline Frank

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Re: Made mistake on lock plate, need help fixing it
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2018, 07:34:13 AM »
Looks like you are going to have to use a 12-24 lock bolt.

https://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/us-tap-drill-size.aspx

Offline stubshaft

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Re: Made mistake on lock plate, need help fixing it
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2018, 08:41:23 AM »
Would it be possible to strip the lock and have a local welder fill and dress the hole?
I'd rather die standing, than live on my knees...

Offline smylee grouch

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Re: Made mistake on lock plate, need help fixing it
« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2018, 02:14:59 PM »
Weld the hole shut and retap.

Offline Clark Badgett

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Re: Made mistake on lock plate, need help fixing it
« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2018, 02:17:33 PM »
Pick your preferred method of plugging the hole and do that. After that plug the hole in you stock with some matching wood and the mark, center punch and drill your plate tap drill size from the plate side through both plate and stock.
Psalms 144

Offline Goo

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Re: Made mistake on lock plate, need help fixing it
« Reply #6 on: May 12, 2018, 02:38:51 PM »
Before you weld it call the lock maker first and ask them!  Some times the castings are not mild steel, if casting is not mild steel  welding can cause the steel to harden or even if it is mild steel and you dont choose the proper filler rod it will cause a hard spot .    Or do as was advised and use/ make a 12-24 lock bolt 12-24 is common for plumbing fixtures? In which case the local hardware should at least have brass fasteners not HC but functional.
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Doc

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Re: Made mistake on lock plate, need help fixing it
« Reply #7 on: May 12, 2018, 04:12:18 PM »
THanks for the input.  Shot an E'mail to Jim, and he is going to fix it for me. 

Great kit, great support.  I will recommend his stuff to anyone.

Doc

Online Bob Roller

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Re: Made mistake on lock plate, need help fixing it
« Reply #8 on: May 12, 2018, 04:54:23 PM »
I was going to make and donate a 12x24 or 28 to help you but Jim can
untie the "knots"in this mistake.

Bob Roller