Counterweight locking bolts, skywatcher

[badgers]

Hi All,

One of my skywatcher counterweights fell last year and cracked its locking bolt, or at least the plastic thumbscrew head on the top of the locking bolt.

It still kind of works but is a bit of a liability.

I'd like to replace just the locking knob, does anyone by any chance know what size of bolt is used ?

Thanks,

Anton

[Steve Ward]

M8 X 75 on mine , 25mm of thread then 50mm of 5mm shank but a std bolt will work. Try McKays.

[badgers]

Beautiful, Thanks Steve.

I'll try McKays and bring the broken one with me. At least knowing its M8x75 will help get me started.

Anton

[Steve Ward]

You might need to 'adjust' the hole in the nylon sleeve if using a fully threaded bolt , or just grind the last 5mm of the thread down to the core size.

[Patrice Lanteigne]

If all your missing is the top plastic part of the 'bolt' then you could try and remove the remainder of the plastic and epoxy on a piece of wood.

[laser_jock99]

Google "Lobe Knobs"

I get mine from Boneham & Turner as they supply the cheapest & best quality Elesa brand:

http://www.boneham.co.uk/shop/product/lobe_knobs

M8 x 75 is going to be hard to find. My suggestion would be to buy a female M8 lobe knob and cut some M8 studding to suit:

http://www.boneham.co.uk/shop/category/knobs_and_handles_

The Elesa hardware is good quality- I used them for my knob upgrade

[Steve Ward]

There's a pair of M8 x 75 on Astroboot.

[badgers]

On the case now, thanks again guys.

Anton

[Jessun]

FLO has stocked these bolts in the past at least, might be worth an email. Teleskop Service do as well.

/Jesper