Epee tip screw holes stripped

[claptimes]

I use German epee tips and have had problems with the two most recent tips I've purchased. within the few weeks of use, I loose a tip screw. When I try to replace it, the screw keeps turning.

Anyone have any ideas how to fix the threads? Is it possible? Any other way to resolve this problem?

Thanks!

[melensdad]

Try a Leon Paul screw. Those seem to hold better than other screws. I think they may be slightly larger or cut slightly differently. If Leon Paul screws don't hold then replace the tip and don't over tighten your screws because that sounds like it might be a cause of your problem. We switched all the tip screws at our club and at the H.S. team's equipment to Leon Paul screws and find them to hold better than any other screws.

[brtech]

probably not. If they really just keep turning, the thread is stripped.

First, take the tip out and try putting the screws in. Do they still keep turning? If so, probably the tip is bad, throw it away. This is a really good idea for french foil tip troubles also.

If they don't, you have some other problem: deformed barrel perhaps.

If the threads are not actually stripped, but just loose, you can try using an LP screw. If you do that, you must continue to use LP screws with that point.

[twisterfencing]

1. Buy a new tip
2. Buy new screws
3. Put them in old barrel
4. Problem solved

You are either trying to over tighten them, or you had bad screws that have become miss threaded. Either way, the best way to solve is listed above.

Gary Spruill

I use German epee tips and have had problems with the two most recent tips I've purchased. within the few weeks of use, I loose a tip screw. When I try to replace it, the screw keeps turning.

Anyone have any ideas how to fix the threads? Is it possible? Any other way to resolve this problem?

Thanks!

[claptimes]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to try the LP screws, but I'm also going to get a new tip. Have you had success with any vendor? The last two were from different suppliers, but neither lasted very long.

Also, can you put a LP British Epee Tip tip into a German barrel?

[SJCFU#2]

Also, can you put a LP British Epee Tip tip into a German barrel?

Most epee parts from one vendor tend to be compatible with those of other vendors* (although they may not necessarily be a perfect fit, and there are obvious exceptions, such as screwless points).

*this only applies to epee - foil tips from one manufacturer tend to be completely incompatible with those of another manufacturer

[foibles]

Consider screwless tips and sidestep the problem completely.

http://www.zipfencing.com/

[slow_learner]

Consider screwless tips and sidestep the problem completely.

http://www.zipfencing.com/

This website for screwless appears to be pageless.

[slow_learner]

I use LP screws on LP tips (epee) and sometimes they hold well, other times they loosen and pop out. If I screw them in deeply they stay in but they cause a short circuit. This is now the only part of epee maintenance that drives me crazy.

Is there a way to "help" a screw stay in? I mean adding just enough friction to discourage it loosening. Like say placing a speck of wax, soap, or similar, into the hole or onto the threads. The screw would not lock, but it would stay longer.

Has anybody tried this?

Would it contravene some kind of FIE rule?

[EldRick]

Loc-Tite 222 (purple) Low-strength threadlocker. Specifically made for small screws.

One could also use the regular-strength version to hold epee pommels in place, instead of fooling around tightening the pommel between matches.

[foibles]

This website for screwless appears to be pageless.

huh. Website works perfectly for me.

[twisterfencing]

Get them from a vendor you know and trust (reason for the statement: I am a vendor as well and did not want to advertise here). LP is good. When you get the screws look at the packaging. You will notice three white strips on the bag, this means they came from LP, not a knock off.

Can you put a LP tip in a German barrel. Well, yes you can. Yet it would be better to keep the LP stuff with LP and the German with the German. It's one of those "Its gonna work, but not the best result kind of thing".

Gary Spruill

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to try the LP screws, but I'm also going to get a new tip. Have you had success with any vendor? The last two were from different suppliers, but neither lasted very long.

Also, can you put a LP British Epee Tip tip into a German barrel?

[slow_learner]

huh. Website works perfectly for me.

Whoops. Tried again. It just loads very slow.

[slow_learner]

Consider screwless tips and sidestep the problem completely.

http://www.zipfencing.com/

This looks really good. No more stupid microscopic screws.

Simply brilliant and brilliantly simple.

Have you used them long? Are there any drawbacks?

[foibles]

Here's the most recent fnet thread on them:

Zip tips....status?

Should provide some insight.

[slow_learner]

Hmm. One or two love them, a couple hate them. Sounds like nothing has changed.

Thanks for the link.

[TodG]

We use Zip tips for our club and since I am the only armorer they are a godsend. No more dealing with screws! They are also quick to remove if you need to adjust the contact spring. I just wish they sold them in something like 20 packs. I really don't need to buy 50 at a time.

[DangerMouse]

We use Zip tips for our club and since I am the only armorer they are a godsend. No more dealing with screws! They are also quick to remove if you need to adjust the contact spring. I just wish they sold them in something like 20 packs. I really don't need to buy 50 at a time.

I've never really understood this attitude. Taking out screws and putting them back in is just a few seconds per weapon and such a minute portion of my armoring time that I don't even consider it. The time to set a contact spring or even to remove the bag of weight springs from my toolbox is more than dealing with the screws.

[Purple Fencer]

I've never really understood this attitude. Taking out screws and putting them back in is just a few seconds per weapon and such a minute portion of my armoring time that I don't even consider it. The time to set a contact spring or even to remove the bag of weight springs from my toolbox is more than dealing with the screws.

Yeah....for an armorer it's fine....but if you're the fencer and your hands are shaking, putting a screw in can be daunting. Plus, how many fencers actually remember to check screws between bouts and then end up with a card for a missing one? The Zips eliminate that problem.