Screw for Rigel finder mounting plate

[saturnian]

Hello,

I want to fix the Rigel with a screw instead of the sticky pads as it keeps falling off.I ve been to a few DIY stores but can t find the right size.I think the same screws and bolts use for finder shoes would be ideal.I ve looked online but no ones seems to sell the screws only.

Any idea.

Thanks

[johninderby]

Easy to find the right size on eBay. Just search M3 or M4 countersunk stainless screws and select the length.

 

Edited October 1, 2019 by johninderby

[NGC 1502]

 

An alternative to ebay is your local DIY store, I know you’ve tried that but almost all such shops should have something suitable. Try B&Q or Wilco.   If the length of the screw is too long, easy to shorten it with a vice + hacksaw and a file to clean up the cut end so the thread will still accept a nut 👍

Ed.

Edited October 1, 2019 by NGC 1502

[johninderby]

Most DIY places don’t stock the right type of screws and allmost never stainless.An electronics supply place is a possibility.. 

Edited October 1, 2019 by johninderby

[NGC 1502]

2 minutes ago, johninderby said:

Most DIY places don’t stock the right type of screws and allmost never stainless.

 

Ok, but no problem around here ( Essex ) and ordinary steel screws will be ok, or try a boat supplier for stainless.

Cheers, Ed.

Edited October 1, 2019 by NGC 1502

[CraigT82]

You can buy as little as one single screw from this supplier...

https://www.a2stainless.co.uk/M4-x-0-70mm_B22XJ3.aspx

(I've linked to the M4 page, not actually sure if you M4 or some other size)

[John]

USA made products (which the Rigel is) often use imperial theads.

I was not aware that the hole in the Rigel base was threaded though. I don't think the ones on my Rigel are

[saturnian]

Hi John, there is a hole on the base plate I just need a screw and bolt.

I ve just found some on Ebay thanks johninderby.

[johninderby]

Glad you got ir sorted. Kayfast or Boltbase or one of the other eBay sellers usually has whatever screws I want. 👍🏻

Although I only live about 3 miles away from a huge bolt and screw warehouse that has every bolt and screw imaginable they have a minimum spend so cheaper to go to eBay for most orders. They are really set up for industrial supply but do have a public sales counter.

Edited October 1, 2019 by johninderby

[Sky-searcher]

What length of M4 does everyone use for finder shoes?

[John]

31 minutes ago, Sky-searcher said:

What length of M4 does everyone use for finder shoes?

Depends on the thickness of the scope tube wall and the profile of the finder mount I guess.

 

[johninderby]

12mm is common but maybe up to 16mm. As above depends on your tube and finder shoe.

They’re cheap enough so get some of both. 

Edited October 1, 2019 by johninderby

[Sky-searcher]

Thanks for your replies 👍 will get a few different sizes as your right John they’re not expensive 

[JOC]

I gave up searching for screws, nuts and also washers some time ago.  10 minute jobs would deteriorate into hours hunting through pots, looking for suitable shops, getting screws posted.  On ebay, for little less that the cost of parking for a day you can buy 'selection boxes' of screw, nuts, washers, bolts, etc. with various tops and in various sizes.  In my family I am now the resident 'bits-R-us' specialist.  I keep my boxes in my kitchen cupboard and can now always find what I need for most jobs within minutes - no, I don't need them every day, but they fall in the 'useful if you never need them category'.  Astronomers seem DIY type folks so I just thought you might appreciate the idea.

Edited October 2, 2019 by JOC