Flask head help

hhughh · February 15, 2011, 10:46:50 PM

Several years ago, I purchased a flask---Italien repro of the Colt Navy flask, and a couple of weeks ago the valve, release, etc. broke. I ordered a replacement from Dixie, and it arrived today. However, it's not drilled or tapped for the little screws that secure it. I'm going to call Dixie tomorrow to make sure this is proper and not an "oversight". But, preparing for the worst, does anyone know the drill/tap size for these holes so I can mount the head?

Thanks,
Hugh

rickk · February 16, 2011, 05:40:14 AM

No idea, but I would assume metric to start with.

I am guessing they are just set screws and that the exact size does not matter? If my assumption of what your flask looks like is correct, maybe switch to a known SAE set screw and get a tap for that.

If you have a Fastenal dealer in your neighborhood, maybe pay them a visit and show them what you are trying to do. I have one next door to where I work and the guys always go overboard to help me out.

Montana Slim · February 17, 2011, 09:18:38 PM

I had to replace some lost screws years ago...if memory serves me, I used #4-40 size.

Regards,
Slim

Bishop Creek · February 17, 2011, 09:31:15 PM

I'm going to have to find a screw for my Dixon Colt flask made in the 1970s. It is missing one teeny, tiny, screw.

wildman1 · February 17, 2011, 10:39:17 PM

Quote from: Bishop Creek on February 17, 2011, 09:31:15 PM
I'm going to have to find a screw for my Dixon Colt flask made in the 1970s. It is missing one teeny, tiny, screw.

Any possibility that a screw from eyeglasses might work?

Bishop Creek · February 17, 2011, 10:45:41 PM

Quote from: wildman1 on February 17, 2011, 10:39:17 PM
Any possibility that a screw from eyeglasses might work?

That thought crossed my mind. I may have to look into that. I was hoping to find a brass screw to match the others. It is such a nice flask, I've had it for years but have never used it, I have an old beater flask for that.

Pettifogger · February 17, 2011, 11:00:54 PM

You can guess for a long time and not get the proper screw. Take one of the remaining screws out and see what thread pitch and size it is.

Bishop Creek · February 18, 2011, 12:02:26 AM

Quote from: Pettifogger on February 17, 2011, 11:00:54 PM
You can guess for a long time and not get the proper screw. Take one of the remaining screws out and see what thread pitch and size it is.

Thanks. That's likely my best bet.

fourfingersofdeath · February 18, 2011, 01:43:49 AM

One sneaky trick to get an incorrect or worn screw to work, is to take a strand of steel wool and wrap it around the threads and pop a bit of oil on it and screw it in. Check for tightness and rust every now and then. Good running repair or a repair on nylon screws in a car or similar. Not good forload bearing stuff of course.