The Woodturning Forum - Woodturner's Resource - Addressing the loose screw problem

Louie Powell

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Addressing the loose screw problem
04/10/12 at 08:23:06

We all have loose screws from time to time.

In my case, my minilathe uses two small (metric, of course) hex-socket set screws to hold the quill handwheel in place in the tail stock. I've noticed that over time, these screws tend to loosen. This weekend, I had one fall out and hide in the pile of sawdust and shavings that collects on the floor behind the lathe. And because it's a special metric thread, finding a replacement would be a challenge. Fortunately, I was able to find it after a few minutes of crawling around on the floor (and my shop is also a bit cleaner now). But how to prevent this from happening again?

The answer is - - - duct tape, of course. After cleaning off the tailstock, I wrapped it with a piece of duct tape. The screws can still loosen, but the duct tape keeps them from falling out. And it can easily be removed to tighten the screws periodically.

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Louie

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John Cepko Active Member Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 119	Re: Addressing the loose screw problem Reply #1 - 04/10/12 at 08:43:45 A drop of Loctite should fix it too. Get the formula that is meant to be removed so you can get the set screw out when you want to.
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robo_hippy WR Addict Offline Posts: 1314	Re: Addressing the loose screw problem Reply #2 - 04/10/12 at 08:54:57 I have a magnetic lamp I keep on my lathe for lighting, and for fishing through the shavings for loose screws. robo hippy
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Donald Carrow WR Champion Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 272 Gender:	Re: Addressing the loose screw problem Reply #3 - 04/10/12 at 09:43:00 I second the loctite I use the blue for screws I need to adjust on occasion. I use the red for screws I need to just stay in place. Of course my wife would tell you i always have a screw loose.....lol
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Mike Baber WR Addict WR Supporter Offline When all else fails, ask someone who knows! Posts: 5952 Gender:	Re: Addressing the loose screw problem Reply #4 - 04/10/12 at 10:09:13 Donald Carrow wrote on 04/10/12 at 09:43:00: Of course my wife would tell you i always have a screw loose.....lol LOL... okie dokie... now tell us something we already didn't know!!!
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Glenn Jacobs WR Supporter Offline JC L&S Posts: 480 Gender:	Re: Addressing the loose screw problem Reply #5 - 04/10/12 at 10:15:58 Antoher use for poly. To remove heat the screw. Glenn J
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Robert Harper WR Addict Offline WR doesn't rock, it RULES! Posts: 2969 Gender:	Re: Addressing the loose screw problem Reply #6 - 04/10/12 at 10:18:57 +1 for Locktite. As for the other ones, I don't have a loose screw problem, I have a lost screw problem. I think it must be tied to hair line.
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Scott Wheeler WR Supporter Offline The wood on the wathe goes wound & wound Posts: 1463 Gender:	Re: Addressing the loose screw problem Reply #7 - 04/10/12 at 10:33:02 Big plus on the Locktite, I also keep a cheapie metal detector around. Its saved my butt on more than one occasion
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Ron Sardo WR Administrator WR Patron Offline Chief cook and bottle washer Posts: 7792	Re: Addressing the loose screw problem Reply #8 - 04/10/12 at 13:05:25 The best way to find a loose screw in a pile of saw dust Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to or Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to or
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Bernie Weishapl WR Supporter Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 2165 Gender:	Re: Addressing the loose screw problem Reply #9 - 04/10/12 at 19:36:42 I also use blue loctite on screws I want to hold but may need to loosen. Red for screws that will stay and don't need loosened. I also have a magnet similar to Ron's that I keep by lathe.
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Rev. Doug Miller WR Patron Offline Working flat so I can support my addiction. Posts: 9602 Gender:	Re: Addressing the loose screw problem Reply #10 - 04/13/12 at 09:44:30 Same here. I recomend to everyone who I hear getting a Nova 1624 to get a small bottle of BLUE loctite on the way home. All those screws in the head stock will need them. Without the loctite those screws will back out for sure. DAMHIKT Just trust me. I'll vouch for the magnet too. Saved me more than once.
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Lynn Woolever Active Member Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 122 Gender:	Re: Addressing the loose screw problem Reply #11 - 04/16/12 at 16:22:25 Locktite does the job! I keep a magnetic parts tray on top of my lathe. I keeps my pen bushings from diving into the pile under the lathe or bouncing off the bed on the way down. Like Robo I use it to find the overachievers.
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