Two photos' of a bent bolt from my NEQ6 mount

[Taff]

Hi' After following instructions from members' how to get the back bolt free and managed to get the bolt out.I bought the bolts off ebay which have been weak bolts.Can anyone name a place where i can go to buy new ones' Thanks.Mark

[Peter Drew]

Before fitting new bolts, check for damage to the parts that the bolts tighten against, also check that the horizontal pivot of the mount is not too tight, you should be able to rotate it back and forth without too much effort.   ?

[Taff]

Hi Peter' Thanks for your Heads up i will give the area a clean with WD40 and the horizontal pivot.Mark

[Prador]

Taff,

Below is a link to the replacement bolts I've used.

https://www.modernastronomy.com/shop/specials/eq6bolt-replacement-latitude-adjustment-bolt-eq6-neq6-mounts/

A bit expensive and I'm sure when I bought them (admittedly a few years ago) they came as a pair. You might only need one though. As far as I know the back bolt is the one under the most load. Please correct me if I'm wrong 

[Pompey Monkey]

I think @Skipper Billy used allen-key bolts (M10?) on his mount because, with a long hex key, they can be adjusted more precisely. Perhaps he'll chime in to correct me 

Also note the adjustment bolts on the NEQ6 and HEQ5 do not, ever, need to be done up "tight". The mount rests on one of the bolts (Prador suggests the back one) and the other just stops the whole thing tipping over if it's not balanced.

 

[Taff]

Thanks two you both for your time and help on the bolt for my mount.Mark

[Skipper Billy]

29 minutes ago, Pompey Monkey said:

I think @Skipper Billy used allen-key bolts (M10?) on his mount because, with a long hex key, they can be adjusted more precisely. Perhaps he'll chime in to correct me 

Correct - made fine adjustment when drift aligning very simple. The small smooth head of the bolt also made for one less thing to get cables snagged on.

Nice stainless steel ones available in small quantities here - https://www.westfieldfasteners.co.uk/A2_ScrewBolt_SHCap_M10.html

[Taff]

Thanks Skipper Billy' for your information, that is a good idea.Mark