Need a transit part

[jmarklatt]

Bought a used surveyor's transit/level, Wards Powr Kraft 84-6460. Description said "ready to use". Well, although the transit is very nice and all seems to work fine, the seller did not include the "nut" assembly that tightens the transit onto the tripod. The male stem on the transit is a very fine thread, and I've been to two "have everything" hardware stores, and we can't figure out what the thread size is (prob. around 32 tpi, and 5/8"+), and can't find any threaded part in hardware, plumbing, or electrical that fits. And I've had no luck online. In the meanwhile I've jury-rigged a PVC assembly, but it's pretty rube. Anybody have a resource for such a part? Barring that, is there a reasonable way to re-thread that stem - it's only about a cm long and I don't think I could use a die and get new thread right down to its base. Many thanks.

 

[The Cobbler]

5/8-27 is a std microphone mount thread.
if you had a thread gauge you could measure the actual tpi , and caliper to measure the OD

 

[The Cobbler]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WindTech-5-...041162?hash=item4d536b94ca:g:i-IAAOSw42JZCHZ3

 

[LXCam]

Like cobbler pointed out get yourself a thread gauge and figure it out. Also there are lots of survey companies that sell equipment, you could contact them and they'll get ya fixed up. Also I'll measure mine tomorrow and post it up, but no guarantees it'll match.

Also it helps to list your location. If you're in SoCal I could tell you of two companies you could walk in the door and they'd have you fixed up in a couple minutes.

 

[Lynden]

Your level looks like it might have been manufactured by David White. Give them a call.

http://www.davidwhite.us.com

 

[Marctrees]

This place is very good - http://www.mohaveinstrument.com/

 

[leg17]

I had to make one years ago.
Seems like it was 11/16-32???
What ever it was, it was not to be found in any hardware store or catalog.
Have to find an original or make it.

 

[JohnHerbster]

Your level looks like it might have been manufactured by David White. ....

What a coincidence. I just bought a used David White Sight Level LP6-20 on eBay which is missing the same adapter. I just checked the male threads on the bottom of mine. They are 11/16-27 (that's in inches and threads per inch).

Edit: On further checking, the OD of the threads is 0.683" (or just under 11/16) and the threads are RH and 26 per inch. I.E. 11/16"-26tpi.




It that brass colored adapter that I need!

 

[JohnHerbster]

Your level looks like it might have been manufactured by David White. ....

What a coincidence. I just bought a used David White LP6-20 on eBay which is
missing the same adapter. I just checked the male threads on the bottom of mine. They are 11/16-27 (that's in inches and threads per inch).

 

[tombell572]

That may be a proprietary thread. the thread pitch for 11/16 extra fine (UNEF) thread its 24. The 11/16 size in any thread diameter may be somewhat obsolete or at least uncommon now since it only shows up in some of my older references.

Looks like your best bet may be as suggested by Lynden, Contact the company and see if they still support the older optical instruments.

Tom B.

 

[Toolmaker65]

11/16-27 ? How old is this transit? It may use an odd thread, but I couldn't find any reference to 27 tpi in my 24th edition (1992) Machinery's Handbook for 11/16" diameter unified screw threads which have been the standard since WWII more or less. Have data for 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32. You can easily make the nut yourself if you have access to a lathe and some hex bar stock, preferably 4140 or 4140 pre hard. That will give you enough resistance to wear that you should not need to make another one in your lifetime with normal use. If not, ask a machinist friend to make one - beats the heck out of a special order from Fastenal or Grainger or whoever because they probably have a minimum order quantity of 10 or more. David White may also have them or other companies that deal with surveying equipment.

 

[JohnHerbster]

11/16-27 ? ... It may use an odd thread, ...

I thought that it was odd, too - until I googled
https://www.google.com/search?q="11/16-27"+thread
It is a common thread for sink faucet aerators!

 

[The Cobbler]

there's a tap listed on ebay that's 11/16-27 https://www.ebay.com/p/11-16-27-H3-...oolmex-5-750-6235/1722628066?iid=151019096515