12 replies to this topic

[bhamham]

Anyone have a spare set to sale?  Or, know the thread size or where to purchase facsimiles?  Many thanks!

[RoyC]

http://www.ebay.com/...=item2568b24c10

[dynaco_dan]

Anyone have a spare set to sale? Or, know the thread size or where to purchase facsimiles? Many thanks!

Home Depot or Rona and many general hardware stores carry 8-32 and a few other sizes of unplated brass knurled finger nuts and they are around $1.00 each.

$12.00 + S+H is a bit much, but they are not raw brass in finish, if that is of any importance to you.

[RoyC]

Home Depot or Rona and many general hardware stores carry 8-32 and a few other sizes of unplated brass knurled finger nuts and they are around $1.00 each.

$12.00 + S+H is a bit much, but they are not raw brass in finish, if that is of any importance to you.

I agree re: the expense of Vintage AR's hardware.
The poster ("bhamham") is in the UK....

Roy

[ra.ra]

Likewise, it would be my opinion that if you know of a good hardware store locally - - - you know, the kind where you can pick out one of this, three of that, and pick thru the little drawers of screws and nuts ...... that would be your best option. I may be mistaken, but I think the UK uses similar thread sizes and designations as the U.S. which Vern mentions in post #3 (8-32 is a #8 screw with 32 threads per inch).

But it is unclear how much hardware you are looking for. Roy's referral to the ebay 'auction' from vintage-AR seems to show only the outer washer and the outer nut. All of my AR speakers have two nuts and two washers for each terminal, and they are not the same washers and nuts. The first washer and nut hold the screw post to the rear cabinet panel, and the second washer and nut secure the speaker wire to the screw terminal. In order of assembly:

1. toothed lock washer
2. standard hex nut
3. smooth circular washer
4. knurled finger nut

[RoyC]

Likewise, it would be my opinion that if you know of a good hardware store locally - - - you know, the kind where you can pick out one of this, three of that, and pick thru the little drawers of screws and nuts ...... that would be your best option. I may be mistaken, but I think the UK uses similar thread sizes and designations as the U.S. which Vern mentions in post #3 (8-32 is a #8 screw with 32 threads per inch).

But it is unclear how much hardware you are looking for. Roy's referral to the ebay 'auction' from vintage-AR seems to show only the outer washer and the outer nut. All of my AR speakers have two nuts and two washers for each terminal, and they are not the same washers and nuts. The first washer and nut hold the screw post to the rear cabinet panel, and the second washer and nut secure the speaker wire to the screw terminal. In order of assembly:

1. toothed lock washer
2. standard hex nut
3. smooth circular washer
4. knurled finger nut

ra ra,

You are missing another smooth washer before the lock washer, which would make it 3 washers per cabinet terminal.
From the terminal board out:
1-regular washer
2-lock washer
3-hex nut
4-regular washer
5-knurled nut

In the 3-way models (ie AR-3a) there is a thin jumper wire between #3 (hex nut) and #4 (regular washer) on two of the three cabinet terminals.
#4 (regular washer) is often missing, as it falls off easily.

The level control pots have only a lock washer and a nut.

Roy

[dynaco_dan]

Likewise, it would be my opinion that if you know of a good hardware store locally - - - you know, the kind where you can pick out one of this, three of that, and pick thru the little drawers of screws and nuts ...... that would be your best option. I may be mistaken, but I think the UK uses similar thread sizes and designations as the U.S. which Vern mentions in post #3 (8-32 is a #8 screw with 32 threads per inch).

But it is unclear how much hardware you are looking for. Roy's referral to the ebay 'auction' from vintage-AR seems to show only the outer washer and the outer nut. All of my AR speakers have two nuts and two washers for each terminal, and they are not the same washers and nuts. The first washer and nut hold the screw post to the rear cabinet panel, and the second washer and nut secure the speaker wire to the screw terminal. In order of assembly:

1. toothed lock washer
2. standard hex nut
3. smooth circular washer
4. knurled finger nut

Hi there

Here in Vancouver our hardware stores stock both standard and metric bits and pieces.

Around 1970 someone in power in our federal government decided that we were one of the few remaining countries in the world, besides the USA, that used the standard measurement system.

It was mandated that we convert to metric within a specified time period.

After partial conversion it was realized how many hundreds of millions, or billions.

The total cost was prohibitive and we have been with a mix of both ever since.

Small electronic stores, tv shops, surplus electronic stores and ham operator type shops would very likely carry a small but broad mix of nuts and bolts, standard and metric.

I would offer to send them from here even, at my cost, but I feel my tone now would make me an undesirable member.

I am still in shock at the selling price on the net.

A reasonable profit is understandable, I don't begrudge anyone making that.

[bhamham]

Many thanks everyone for your comments and help! I think I can find 8-32 nuts over here but appreciate the nomenclature - knurled finger nuts, dynaco_dan - that's great. Just missing the outer nuts and washers like you would imagine some kid screwing them off and tossing them in a potted plant. There's still a few hardware stores left here that cater to 'one of those, three of that'... but they're starting to disappear just as they are everywhere. Armed with the excellent information provided here I shouldn't have any trouble finding them. All the best, guys!

[ra.ra]

Sounds like it may be a moot point for your situation, but Roy is correct to note my omission of the first smooth washer. Just for reference, I've included a link and an image from a catalog I love to use for any variety of problem-solving applications.

http://www.mcmaster....ed-nuts/=ips4ot

[JKent]

Hi bhamham and welcome!
Sounds like your problem is solved. The original nuts were nickel-plated brass but unplated brass will do nicely. Stainless will look right but does not have the electrical conductivity brass has.
If you get stuck and can't find them on your side of the pond, send me a PM.
Kent

[bhamham]

Hi Kent,

Thanks for the welcome and offer. Found the nuts - really appreciate the help everyone.

Kind regards,
Bruce

[JKent]

Hi Bruce
We're all happy to help. Are you restoring? In case you missed it, be SURE to look at this booklet: http://www.classicsp...ring_the_ar-3a/
We like photos! Re-size any pics to about 100KB or so to make them manageable and let us see your ARs!
Kent

[bhamham]

Hi Kent,

Yes, restored a pair of 3a-s. I think they're a European version as the cabinets are a bit different from the ones I see on your side. I'll do a thread in the AR forum with some pics. I've been listening to them and my AR3s trying to decide which I like best. Still undecided.

Regards,
Bruce