Lap steel legs - 1/2" to 5/8" adapter?
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Lap steel legs - 1/2" to 5/8" adapter?
I have legs that are 1/2" 13 thread that I need to adapt to 5/8". Looked at the hardware store but no luck yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
- Bill Sinclair
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I know that this has been discussed on this forum but I didn't have much luck finding the thread (no pun intended). I wound up using heli-coil inserts on my Rickenbacker DW16. Drilled and tapped the 5/8" holes in the sockets to work with the 1/2"-13 inserts. Worked out okay but you will need the special heli-coil tool kit for that size. Maybe McMaster.com has a screw on adapter that would be easier. What guitar is this for? I know that Gibson consoles also use a 5/8 socket.
Edit/Correction: My Gibson Console uses a 3/8" socket
Edit/Correction: My Gibson Console uses a 3/8" socket
Last edited by Bill Sinclair on 6 Jun 2023 1:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Interesting. Thank you. Oh it's for a 60s eHarp
Last edited by Jim Wilmoth on 3 Jun 2023 9:05 pm, edited 2 times in total.
- Bill Sinclair
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This is more pricey, but maybe better?Bill Sinclair wrote:I know that this has been discussed on this forum but I didn't have much luck finding the thread (no pun intended). I wound up using heli-coil inserts on my Rickenbacker DW16. Drilled and tapped the 5/8" holes in the sockets to work with the 1/2"-13 inserts. Worked out okay but you will need the special heli-coil tool kit for that size. Maybe McMaster.com has a screw on adapter that would be easier. What guitar is this for? I know that Gibson consoles also use a 5/8 socket.
- Bill Sinclair
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Jim,
I tried using those on a different project but remember having some problems getting them to screw all the way in to the tapped hole and fractured the insert. I didn't know about the driver tool and tried using a big screwdriver so I'm sure it was my fault. In theory it seems like a better solution than a helicoil so maybe someone else will weigh in. I wonder if there is something special you have to do with the EZ Lok when installing in aluminum?
I tried using those on a different project but remember having some problems getting them to screw all the way in to the tapped hole and fractured the insert. I didn't know about the driver tool and tried using a big screwdriver so I'm sure it was my fault. In theory it seems like a better solution than a helicoil so maybe someone else will weigh in. I wonder if there is something special you have to do with the EZ Lok when installing in aluminum?
- Erv Niehaus
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- Bill Sinclair
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Erv,
Are you sure that wasn't a 3/4" bolt as would be used on your Stringmasters? A 1/2" to 5/8" threaded adapter wouldn't have much meat on it. I might have to give it a try next time I need one though. Any suggestions on finding the center of the bolt before drilling? I'm thinking cut the head off and chuck it in a lathe?
Are you sure that wasn't a 3/4" bolt as would be used on your Stringmasters? A 1/2" to 5/8" threaded adapter wouldn't have much meat on it. I might have to give it a try next time I need one though. Any suggestions on finding the center of the bolt before drilling? I'm thinking cut the head off and chuck it in a lathe?
- Erv Niehaus
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- Bill Sinclair
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Jim,
I need to correct some misinformation in one of my posts above. My Gibson Console Grande has 3/8"-16 sockets, not 5/8". I'm thinking that the Rickenbacker was the same. My experience must have been drilling out a 3/8" hole to about 1/2" to accept the 1/2-13 tap. I'm thinking you might not have anything to drill out since the hole the hole in your socket may already be bigger than 1/2". You would basically be rethreading the existing hole with the tap and hopefully catch enough threads to make the installation of the helicoil or the insert possible. Are you sure that your leg sockets are 5/8"?
I need to correct some misinformation in one of my posts above. My Gibson Console Grande has 3/8"-16 sockets, not 5/8". I'm thinking that the Rickenbacker was the same. My experience must have been drilling out a 3/8" hole to about 1/2" to accept the 1/2-13 tap. I'm thinking you might not have anything to drill out since the hole the hole in your socket may already be bigger than 1/2". You would basically be rethreading the existing hole with the tap and hopefully catch enough threads to make the installation of the helicoil or the insert possible. Are you sure that your leg sockets are 5/8"?
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Hi Bill,
Thank you for all the clarification. I confirmed the size and thread by taking one mount off and bringing it and one leg to the hardware store. This way, I could confirm the facts about what I was really dealing with. That was unfortunately as far as the hardware store could help, but still very important.
Thanks to your suggestion I went to MSC direct that had the stainless steel inserts I was looking for 5/8 11 to 1/2 13 internal. Also since you and others warned of not using a screwdriver to insert these (and damaging the inserts), I ordered the ez-lok tool to install.
The tool arrived today and the inserts arrive tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes.
Jim
Thank you for all the clarification. I confirmed the size and thread by taking one mount off and bringing it and one leg to the hardware store. This way, I could confirm the facts about what I was really dealing with. That was unfortunately as far as the hardware store could help, but still very important.
Thanks to your suggestion I went to MSC direct that had the stainless steel inserts I was looking for 5/8 11 to 1/2 13 internal. Also since you and others warned of not using a screwdriver to insert these (and damaging the inserts), I ordered the ez-lok tool to install.
The tool arrived today and the inserts arrive tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes.
Jim
- Tom Wolverton
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