As stated in the title, this is Doug's idea from Elliot's thread. RRC, Why I didn't make it.

"i hate those cone screws. i grind the same pointed profile on a hex head bolt. then drill a 1/16 hole thru the head and saftey wire it. way easier to put in and take out.... AND you can reuse them."

Thanks for the tip Doug. It is such a good tip I just thought everyone should see this.

I wonder if the cone screws like a set screw are case hardened for strength?

BTDT

Pictures for those that have no idea of part - please

They are set screws. They are not specially hardened. I have made these. Pretty simple lathe job. After I furn the taper, I machine a 1/8" spot with a ball end mill for a 1/8" nylon ball. This is what is needed to help keep it from vibrating loose like as used in a Nylock nut. I would never trust a hand ground screw. This is trouble looking to happen.

"I would never trust a hand ground screw. This is trouble looking to happen."

Unfortunately not many of us have the access to milling equipment that you have, so what you're suggesting isn't really an option. Could you elaborate on that statement, that you'd "never trust"? Especially in comparison to a standard set screw without safety wire. If the profile is reasonably close and it's safety wired it should engage well and not move, so I'm trying to imagine how it could fail.

Also, if you have access to that equipment, would you consider making a few boxes of those modified screws that one of our member-vendors could sell?

Thanks

I have these already if you are looking for something to purchase.

JWest locking cone screws

Click to view attachment

Are there 2 cone screws required or just one ?

Lotta fuss over a readily available, and inexpensive, part. 901 424 229 00. Google it. Anywhere from under 3 bucks to a little over 6 bucks at Stoddard. Sometimes it's good to be a CSOB, other times it's pissin' in the wind.

The Cap'n

Cap'n beat me to it.

LOL!!!

True enough. The problem is unless you want to stock them, you must order them and pay for shipping. Here in the Midwest that means California or Atlanta. A 10 minute lathe job works for me. I now just install a new 1/8" nylon ball in the old screw and reuse them. A pack of 100 balls costs less than 1 screw.

As far as not trusting a hand ground screw, you run into trouble if there is some movement between the hole and the screw cone. This can work loose. You also run the risk of damaging the hole making a new screw not fit correct.

you'll require 2 of james' screws with the locking nut. just like always.

thanks joe.... no fuss to make really. a quick twist on a bench grinder or an angle grinder even. can be removed with a simple cresent wrench if need be.

To quote Jerry Jeff:

That the answer my friend is just pissin' in the wind
The answer is pissin' in the sink

Even better, thanks!!

Cap'n, i will become problems with my midriff this night

I think that means he is "busting a gut" laughing...