Bolts and bits

[Mauser06]

What size bolt do you use for lock and Tang bolts? 

I see 8-32 and 10-32s typically sold. I'm not sure if there's a purpose to use one or another.


What size drill bits do you run?  I am working on an order and know I need lock and Tang bolts and might as well add the correct drill bits...I know one size is for the bolt. The other is a clearance bit for the wood. 



Thanx!

[B.Habermehl]

I normally use 8-32 bolts for my tang and lock nails. I also buy cheepies from the local hardware store for sacrificial tang bolts for my tang bolts for when the time comes to file the tang and wrist of the stock. I usually use 3/16 drills for clearance. And .136 dia. Tap drill bit. BJH

PS I stand corrected, on the drill bit number.

[flehto]

My builds have #8-32s for the tang screw and the rear lockbolt. The front lockbolt is #6-32 because of the thin webs. The clearance drills are sized so that the respective taps fit freely......Fred

[T*O*F]

8-32 takes a #29 tap drill with a #18 for close clearance or a #16 for loose clearance.
10-32 takes a ##25 tap drill with a #8 for close clearance or a # 6 for loose clearance.

[Mauser06]

Thanx all!  Thats the info I was looking for! 

Just wasn't 100% sure and wanted to be before making up an order.

[BadDaditood]

thanks T*O*F, i like the tight and loose options so i wrote them down and tacked them to the list of tap/clearance drill numbers i tacked to my bench years ago 

[Bigmon]

where are you getting 6-32 lock bolts??

[Hemo]

Here's another solution to deal with that pesky ramrod impinging on the front lock bolt. This is an 8-32 front lock bolt that intruded on the ramrod hole. In a drill or drill press, the bolt can be tapered with a round file where it hits the ramrod hole. You could also file a notch in one side of the bolt, but then you always have to return the bolt to the same position. This way, the bolt can be loosened or tightened as needed with the ramrod in place. (You still have to remove the ramrod before removing the bolt, though.)

Gregg

[Bigmon]

I have a 20yr old or more Dunlap Issac Haines that has been a great gun over the years.
But I had to do exactly the same thing in order to have a functional front lock bolt.
Actually it works fine and with RR still in the gun it keeps the lose side plate from falling off when I remove the lock.

[Mark Elliott]

I use 8-32s for the front lock bolt and 10-32s for the rear lockbolt and tang(if I use a tang bolt).    Since I build a lot of southern rifles,  I often use wood screws for the tang.   

[flehto]

I buy all my screws and bolts from TOW including the #6-32 lockbolts. .....Fred