Set screw for Stanley 99e

[Vinko]

Saw some threads here on the love for the iconic Stanley 99E. But thought I'd start a new thread, since this is a little out of the ordinary.

I just spent about 2-3 hours avoiding necessary work and trying to figure out the fastener size on our Stanley 99E knives.

I have a box of about 20 out of rotation. Because they're missing set screws. I don't know why. My guess, someone changing blade didn't tighten screw or, god bless, was too dumb to figure out how to change or get the retractor back in.

Set screw part no. appears to be 039489-00

These are the US made knives (I don't think I have any of the English made ones here).

As far as I can tell it's either No. 12-28 or 32 x 9/16 (that seems a bit weird doesn't it? Haven't seen a 9/16" length fastener in that size before) or M5-0.8 x 15mm. And pan head. Old ones were slotted. New are phillips.

But my eyes aren't what they once were and if it's imperial, I can't read if it's 28 or 32. By feels like a 28.

Anyway, anyone happen to know the size of these things? I figured the US made 99e were using metric fasteners but wasn't sure.

Went to hardware stores in town but their selections aren't what they once were. A total metaphor for the eradication of everything that was once good. But that's another story.

I know I could just filament tape these things. Or buy a few boxes of possible replacement screws from McMaster until I find the right ones, but now it's starting to buy me and I'd like to figure it out.

 

[RTM]

I would not call them a set screw.

I have several 99 and knock offs, both old enough to be equipped with flat head screws, and measuring 2 different ones gets me:

• a major diameter of 0.187-0.190, which is almost a #10 screw diameter at 0.190
• 32 TPI is the right answer
• over 1/8" of threads are engaged,
• over all length is 0.585 (just over 9/16
• There is a bit of unused thread, so can be a hair longer)

My thread checker is hiding right now, so can't verify that a 10-32 will fit snugly.

I would try for oval head, but buy them long and cut them off if needed. (Length is measured from the wide point of the head)

I would use a flat head Philips as the second choice.

I would take a couple of bodies to your local Ace hardware, and try screws til I found the right size and pitch. Then buy a few, see how many of your 20 fit that size. Then take a couple that don't fit, and lather rinse repeat.

 

[dutchgray]

English ones I have are M5 (also the 199A) , I would guess if you had a really old one it wouldn't be metric.

We call those screws "Raised head"

 

[RTM]

My thread checker is hiding right now, so can't verify that a 10-32 will fit snugly.

A 10-32 tap ran relatively easily through three different knives. The newest Great Neck was the most difficult, but it had a self tapping screw included.

 

[paulsomlo]

I confirm 10-32 with calipers and a thread gage, the length is 0.672". Either go with 5/8" and cross your fingers, or 3/4" and grind it down. Here's the link to McMaster-Carr: https://www.mcmaster.com/91802A831/

 

[ChevyEFI]

My 99E screw got replaced with a plastic screw w/ the wrong head.

I am a lot more annoyed Milwaukee discontinued the ergonomic of theirs in favor or a slimmer, junkier version. Thankfully, I think my kid took the junky one.

 

[Beerhippie]

Stop guessing, measuring and counting, etc and just break down and buy something like this. Makes for excellent bling, too.

 

[Vinko]

@Beerhippie. I love that. Thanks. I have a plate somewhere with holes and threads for checking SAE, metric and a few Brit sizes (maybe Whitworth and British standard).

Thanks to everyone who has contributed here! Avoiding necessary work to get this sorted out but it's now a challenge.

@RTM -- I didn't think to check a wide range of the fasteners on the existing 99E I have (some prob 25-35 years old. Maybe a few older. And then some from Home Depot or McMaster in past 10-15 years).

Funny thing, none of the ones I checked (that have a fastener) were size 10. They were closer to 12 (just a hair under) which is I why I thought metric.

Anyway more on my saga and solutions as it comes.

Thanks all.

 

[RTM]

Makes for excellent bling, too.

Come on, almost anything work related is good bling at a brewery related party.

 

[RTM]

Funny thing, none of the ones I checked (that have a fastener) were size 10. They were closer to 12 (just a hair under) which is I why I thought metric.

You were checking minor diameter there, where I've seen more variability vs the tables. That's why I try to use my thread checker, which works the same as what @Beerhippie showed, (but does not make good bling) or a tap, or a known sized fastener. I've been burned looking for a vintage size, when it's just a poorly tapped, or worn hole.

 

[NoahG]

Stop guessing, measuring and counting, etc and just break down and buy something like this. Makes for excellent bling, too.

When I started at my current job the first thing I did was buy the shop a set of those in metric and standard. Blew their minds.

 

[4xdog]

I would not call them a set screw...

"Set screw" is one of those areas where the UK and the USA are separated by a common language. In Britain, a set screw (or setscrew) simply refers to a fully-threaded bolt. Probably synonymous with "cap screw" over here.

It's never made any sense to me either why our terminology is different...

 

[RTM]

"Set screw" is one of those areas where the UK and the USA are separated by a common language. In Britain, a set screw (or setscrew) simply refers to a fully-threaded bolt. Probably synonymous with "cap screw" over here.

It's never made any sense to me either why our terminology is different...

I thought of that Two Countries Separated by a Common Language, but he is in LA, might be a transplant...

 

[Ditchdigger]

Pulled the screw from mine. I would describe it as a 10-32X5/8" Oval head.

 

[Beerhippie]

Remember that the older ones, at least, used a combo-head that accepted slotted, Phillips AND coins!

Anyone remember coins?

 

[RTM]

Remember that the older ones, at least, used a combo-head that accepted slotted, Phillips AND coins!

Anyone remember coins?

I think that's newer than any of my older ones, that sounds like 60s plus.

At least back then, a dime still had value.