Stanley Plane Screw Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide

Stanley plane screw sizes are a topic of interest for many hand tool enthusiasts and restorers. Stanley planes are known for their non-standard thread sizes, which can make it challenging to find replacement screws or tap and die sets for repairs and maintenance. The screw sizes vary depending on the specific plane model and type, with some using Whitworth threads and others following American standard threads that pre-date the adoption of UNF standards. For example, the frog attachment screws on Bailey Bench Planes (No. 1-8) have a thread size of 12#-20, while the frog screws on the No. 4 plane are 9/32-24. Some sources provide detailed tables listing the screw sizes for various Stanley plane models, including the outside thread diameter, threads per inch, and descriptions. It is important to note that there may be variations in screw sizes even within the same plane model, and some screws may have been replaced over time.

Stanley planes are known for their non-standard thread sizes

For example, the Stanley No. 5 plane has been found to feature both rolled and cut threads, with varying major and minor diameters that may not align with standard thread sizes. The No. 4 and No. 5 1/2 planes have also been observed to have different thread sizes and forms. This inconsistency in thread sizes and types extends to other models in the Stanley plane range.

The complexity is further compounded by the use of Whitworth profile threads in some planes, specifically the 7/32" 20 tpi variety, which is not a standard thread size. This thread size was also adopted by Record when they began manufacturing Bailey planes in the 1930s, directly copying Stanley's designs.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the thread sizes used by Stanley may have evolved over time. Some sources indicate that newer Stanley planes, particularly those manufactured in the UK, have transitioned to standard metric thread sizes.

As a result of these non-standard thread sizes, special taps and dies may be required to create replacement threads. Some companies offer custom-made taps and dies for these unique thread sizes, but they can be difficult to source and may require group purchases to be cost-effective.

In summary, Stanley planes are known for their non-standard thread sizes, which can make finding replacement parts and screws a challenging task. The thread sizes and types vary across different models and components, and some threads may not conform to modern standards. This has created a niche market for custom-made taps and dies to service these unique thread sizes.

The thread size for the tote and knob rods is 12-20

The thread size for the tote and knob rods of a Stanley hand plane is 12-20. This non-standard thread size was used by Stanley before the British Standard Whitworth (BSW) choices were established. The thread size 12-20 refers to the major diameter of the screw, which is 0.2050 to 0.2150 inches, and the threads per inch (TPI), which is 20. The major diameter of a screw is the diameter of the screw measured from the outer edges of the threads.

The thread size 12-20 is also used for the screw at the front of the tote and the frog screws. The rod diameter for these screws is 7/32 inches with 20 TPI.

To replace the screws with modern alternatives, you can drill and retap the holes to M6 metric threads. You can also find taps and dies for the 12-20 thread size online, although they may be expensive.

The thread size for the frog screw is 9/32-24

The frog screw is a component of vintage hand planes, such as those manufactured by Stanley. These hand planes are sought-after by tool collectors and woodworking enthusiasts for their quality and craftsmanship. The frog screw is a critical element in the plane's mechanism, allowing for adjustments to the blade's angle and depth relative to the plane's body. This screw's thread size is 9/32-24, which is a non-standard size and can be challenging to source.

The 9/32-24 thread size refers to the screw's diameter and thread pitch. The diameter of the screw is 9/32 inches, which equates to 0.281 inches or 7.14 millimetres. The thread pitch, denoted as 24, indicates that there are 24 threads per inch along the length of the screw. This pitch is considered a fine thread, which means the threads are closer together compared to a coarse thread with the same diameter.

When dealing with vintage tools and machinery, it is not uncommon to encounter non-standard or obsolete screw sizes. This can present challenges when repairing or restoring these items. In the case of the Stanley hand plane's frog screw, the 9/32-24 thread size is a unique feature that sets it apart from other fasteners. This screw size is not readily available at typical hardware stores, and special efforts may be required to source replacements.

For those seeking to restore or repair vintage Stanley hand planes, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the various screw sizes and thread types used. The frog screw, with its 9/32-24 thread size, is just one example of the specialised fasteners employed in these tools. By consulting resources such as online forums and vintage tool enthusiasts' websites, one can gain valuable insights into the world of vintage hand planes and their unique characteristics.

The thread size for the adjuster screw is 9/32-24

The adjuster screw on a Stanley hand plane has a thread size of 9/32-24. This refers to the diameter and thread count of the screw, with the number "9/32" representing the diameter in inches and the number "24" indicating the number of threads per inch.

This particular thread size is unique to Stanley hand planes and is not a standard size found in typical hardware stores. The adjuster screw is responsible for fine-tuning the plane's cut depth, ensuring precise and accurate results during woodworking projects.

It is worth noting that Stanley planes are known for their non-standard thread sizes, which can make finding replacement parts or making repairs a challenging task. The 9/32-24 thread size is just one example of the specialised screw sizes used in these planes.

To further complicate matters, Stanley has changed the thread sizes of their planes over time. Therefore, identifying the correct thread size for a specific plane may require additional research or consultation with experts familiar with the evolution of Stanley plane designs.

The thread size for the cap iron screw is 5/16-18

The 5/16-18 thread size is also used for the "cap" iron screw (small plate to engage depth yoke) on Stanley block planes (No 9, 15-19, 60-61, 63, 65, 110, 118, 120, 203, 205, 220, etc).

If you need to replace the cap iron screw on your Stanley plane, you can purchase a 5/16-18 coarse thread socket low head cap screw from a hardware store or online.

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