Epee/Foil Screws

[lovetofence]

Would anyone know the thread size for the screws in both foil and epee?
German screw size would be the one I'm looking for.

I don't know about anyone else but I go through MANY screws a week and do not like paying 30 cents a screw. I would like to get the thread size to a local machinest and buy about 1000 of them. I bet I could get a better deal than 30 cents per screw. I would then pass it on to anyone else who would want to go in on the deal so to help others that have the same problem as I do.
Thanks in advance.

LTF

[anisa]

Originally Posted by lovetofence

I don't know about anyone else but I go through MANY screws a week and do not like paying 30 cents a screw. LTF

Have you tried using some thread lock on the screws to avoid loosing so many? Just a thought..

[lovetofence]

Yup. Too messy even when I use a toothpick. But I want screws!

[SJCFU#2]

Try looking in the armory section. Epee screw threads were discussed there recently.

Also, if you are loosing tip screws that frequently then maybe you should try replacing your tip. The threads are probably stripped to the point where there is little for the screw threads to grab ahold of, in which case less expensive screws won't really solve the problem, only reduce the expense associated with replacing them.

You may also consider Leon Paul screws - they cost more but they often can get traction on worn threads that allow other screws to slip. Be advised that this is a one way street - screws from another manufacturer will never fit in that tip again.

[oiuyt]

Once you're doing that you might just want to order from Germany. Uhlmann offers 10 packs for about a euro, so ~12-13 cents each.

http://www.uhlmann-fechtsport.de/inhalt_katalog_e.htm

-B :)
*who remembers a couple of years ago when it was 7-8 cents per ordering directly*

[parrythis]

Originally Posted by SJCFU#2

Also, if you are loosing tip screws that frequently then maybe you should try replacing your tip.

I agree. It seems very unusual that you are losing "many" screws a week. I can't speak for the average fencer, but I think I've lost maybe 2 or three in the last 6 months. Replacing them by the handful is simply applying a bandage to react to the symptom. Perhaps a little diagnostic analyis on the underlying problem is in order to find out why the screws are coming out so easily in the first place.

Have you considered trying a screwless tip?

[lovetofence]

Actually you all have given me great advise and I appriciate it very much. Yes your right, I'm sure my tips need to be replaced and I did see where someone on another post suggested to "tape" the outside barrel for practice use. Great ideas and I'll try them. I did by the way get the measurements of the screws and I will get them made here locally. I will let you all know if I can have them made for the "good ol days" price of around 10 cents each or less. Thank you all very much for giving me great advice.

LTF

[edew]

Someone once mentioned to me that the metal used for the screws better be of the correct type (meaning, the same type of metal as used for the tip and the barrel). Because there is a constant current running through the metals (in foil at least, and occasional current for epee), if the metals are not the same, there might be some electro-something-or-another which might cause the various metals to corrode. Perhaps DHCJr can elaborate.

So, if you go to a machine shop to make your own screws (which I can guarantee, for just 1000 screws or so, you're not going to get a cheaper price), you just can't ask for any old metal screws.

[lovetofence]

Good point but I was told to get stainless steel screws. Leon Paul screws are that but with a sharper cut for the threads. Actually I have done some calling to the people I was going to have the screws done by and the price looks good. You might be surprized....