Interchangeable LP Epee Tips?

[courtneyp]

I've got a blade with an LP epee tip and part of the black insulation broke off inside the tip so that when I put the screw all the way in, the screw hits the contact spring and the grounding light goes on. So, no big deal, get a new tip. Unfortunately, I have no spare tips and a big tournament this weekend. Foolish, foolish girl. But then I remember, I have a totally borked epee (broken wire) that will be staying home this weekend and it's an LP too; I'll just take its tip. Only thing is it has the LP GT tip and my good weapon has a normal LP tip. I compared them and they look identical as far as size goes; only difference appears to be the teflon coating on the GT. I put the GT into the normal barrel and everything seems fine, right colored lights, passes shim, etc.

So...anything I should be worried about? Should this be my backup epee?

Thanks in advance.

[CvilleFencer]

It should work fine with no worries. LP barrels are nice in that they are pretty forgiving. The difference between the normal and the GT is just the coating, so it should be nice and smooth for you as well.

[courtneyp]

Thanks! I guess when I place my order for new spare tips, I'll just order the GTs all around.

[XanderHal]

Ithe black insulation broke off inside the tip so that when I put the screw all the way in, the screw hits the contact spring and the grounding light goes on

This is what I would consider one of the major downfalls of the LP epee tips, although usually I just back off the screws a little bit and it is ok. The other is the fact that you have to stretch the contact spring. The big advantage is the nice quality, recessed tip screws.

[CvilleFencer]

This is what I would consider one of the major downfalls of the LP epee tips,

Two things to keep in mind. First, don't over tighten the screws. The LP screws are well made and threaded enough that you don't have to torque them down. No more than fingertips with a jewelers screwdriver is what I recommend. As extreme examples I have seen people take their little screwdrivers, grip them by pliers and wrench on them for the final "snugging" of the screw! Over tightening will not only drive the screws through the insulation it can deform the screw slot on any screw making it very difficult to get out or splitting the screw down the middle. It's not like you are towing trucks with the things after all, they really just don't need to be that tight.

Second thing, if you do have that problem (and I admit even I occasionally get carried away and overtighten) a dab of clear fingernail polish or super glue brushed onto the end of the screw clears it up. Just don't get to carried away and put it on half the face of the tip as well!

[XanderHal]

Second thing, if you do have that problem (and I admit even I occasionally get carried away and overtighten) a dab of clear fingernail polish or super glue brushed onto the end of the screw clears it up

That is a very good tip. Thanks!