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Post new topic #5-40 Thread onto 1/8 Rod. Easy
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Author Topic:  #5-40 Thread onto 1/8 Rod. Easy
Scott Denniston


From:
Hahns Peak, Colorado, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jan 2021 5:31 pm    
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I had read in some older posts that it was very difficult to hand thread #5-40 threads onto 1/8 (.126") rod to screw on a nylon tuning nut. In fact it was suggested to try #6-40 instead, if threading it by hand instead of having it machine rolled.
Then someone mentioned that #6-40 didn't work too well for tuning nuts on 1/8 rod. So I tried it with a #5-40 die and it was really no problem at all. I ground the end to a cone just a little to get it started and lubed it up (I used Tri-Flow). I suspect that someone's problem with this may have been that they were using a re-threading die as opposed to a cutting die. I guess that's my point: if you're threading your 1/8 inch rod 5-40 to screw on a tuning nut--use a Cutting Die and some lube-- not a re-threading die. Not to bore you but I didn't know this. I had tried it both ways.
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Darvin Willhoite


From:
Roxton, Tx. USA
Post  Posted 14 Jan 2021 8:34 pm    
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I use 6-32 threads on 1/8" rods, it works well for me. I use my lathe and a tailstock die holder to make sure everything is square.
_________________
Darvin Willhoite
MSA Millennium, Legend, and Studio Pro, Reese's restored Universal Direction guitar, a restored MSA Classic SS, several amps, new and old, and a Kemper Powerhead that I am really liking. Also a Zum D10, a Mullen RP, and a restored Rose S10, named the "Blue Bird". Also, I have acquired and restored the plexiglass D10 MSA Classic that was built as a demo in the early '70s. I also have a '74 lacquer P/P, with wood necks, and a showroom condition Sho-Bud Super Pro.
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Scott Denniston


From:
Hahns Peak, Colorado, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jan 2021 8:55 pm    
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Well for tuning accuracy 40 would be better. I want people to know there's no problem with 5-40 if you use a Cutting Die and not a re-threading die.
Edited: you're using a lathe & all. I'm just talking about a die holder by hand. Still, 40 is better for fine tuning. And 5-40 is kind of the standard by steel mfgs. for 1/8" rods. You can do it by hand. The articles I was reading said a #6 didn't work too well.
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Bobby D. Jones

 

From:
West Virginia, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jan 2021 10:35 pm     5-40 thread onto 1/8 rod
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Thread sizes between rods can be confusing. The roll threads used on pull rods are actually larger 1 thread depth than the rod itself. If you go to some bolt thread charts you will find the sizes for cut threads being a little smaller than the rod itself.

Some Thread Size Charts List.
#3 3/32" rod
#4 7/64" "
#5 1/8" "
#6 9/64" "

If a guitar has had any pulls added after market with cut threads you will need smaller inside diameter plastic tuning nuts to fit properly.
I just buy tuning nuts to fit 3/32" rods for my GFI and if larger I.D. hole tuners for my MSA guitars, Just drill them out for a perfect fit.
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Darvin Willhoite


From:
Roxton, Tx. USA
Post  Posted 15 Jan 2021 7:08 am    
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The difference in 40 and 32 threads per inch is so small you would never know the difference in tuning accuracy. With all the moving parts on a pedal steel it is just not an 'accurate' machine.

40 threads/inch = .025"/turn, and 32 threads/inch = .031"/turn, that's only .006" difference which is very little, a pull rod will deflect or twist more than that during tuning. 32 threads/inch is a deeper thread which makes the nuts hold better with less chance of stripping out.
_________________
Darvin Willhoite
MSA Millennium, Legend, and Studio Pro, Reese's restored Universal Direction guitar, a restored MSA Classic SS, several amps, new and old, and a Kemper Powerhead that I am really liking. Also a Zum D10, a Mullen RP, and a restored Rose S10, named the "Blue Bird". Also, I have acquired and restored the plexiglass D10 MSA Classic that was built as a demo in the early '70s. I also have a '74 lacquer P/P, with wood necks, and a showroom condition Sho-Bud Super Pro.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail


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