Just wondering if anyone has sourced a replacement screws for the rail cover plate? I have SS screws but that kinda scares me with screwing them into aluminum. Is there nickel plated steel screws available?
Roof rail cover plate screws
- Thread starter Billygoat
- Start date
I don't recall if I used 3/4" or 1" thread forming screws, but this is the ticket.
Thread-Forming Screws for Soft Metal Zinc-Plated Steel, 10-24 Thread, 3/4" Long
https://www.mcmaster.com/product/94209A140
GMCforum: GMCnet » Redrilling Drip Rail Mounting Screws
Redrilling Drip Rail Mounting Screws Drip Rail Maintenance
gmc.mybirdfeeder.net
You do not want to tap the holes. If any screws break while removing them it's not a big deal to drill them out.
The McMaster link in that GMCnet thread is not working. When I went to search my orders for the screw I used they didn't turn up, too long ago I guess. The screw I linked to above has the wrong head, should be a flat head, but I'm not seeing Torx thread forming flat heads on McMaster. Sorry about that. I'll keep looking.
Not having much luck searching for readily available screws in small quantities. These are the screws (but it's doubtful you'd want 40 pounds of them).
10-24 X 1 Thread Forming Screws / Torx / Flat Head / Steel / Zinc / Taptite Alternate
hardware-everywhere.com
Not sure why McMaster doesn't seem to carry them anymore.
Thanks for looking on this Richard. I might just call McMaster on this. Apparently that type of screw isn’t found much, wondering if they came up with a different screw system to replace them. You know what bean counters can do with those less used items!Not having much luck searching for readily available screws in small quantities. These are the screws (but it's doubtful you'd want 40 pounds of them).
10-24 X 1 Thread Forming Screws / Torx / Flat Head / Steel / Zinc / Taptite Alternate
Not sure why McMaster doesn't seem to carry them anymore.
I haven't used it recently but I did find that McMaster had stellar phone support. Worth the call.
Your post about the screws got me to thinking. These sort of questions come up fairly frequently. What size bolt, length, thread count, head and drive type, grade, etc. It would be a very useful resource to have all of the OEM fasteners listed in one spreadsheet, and a lot faster than having to search and then winnow through the resulting threads.
I found my McMaster order confirmation from ten years ago:
94209A575
Thread-Forming Screws for Soft Metal Black Ultra-Corrosion-Resistant Steel, 10-24 Thread, 3/4" Long, packs of 25
McMaster Part Number no longer works. Here's the right type of screw but the wrong size on Amazon.
I've searched until I'm blue. Very odd to only find places that sell in 500/1000 piece lots, or don't have the usual drop down dialog to select screw sizes. Maybe you'll have better luck.
94209A575
Thread-Forming Screws for Soft Metal Black Ultra-Corrosion-Resistant Steel, 10-24 Thread, 3/4" Long, packs of 25
McMaster Part Number no longer works. Here's the right type of screw but the wrong size on Amazon.
Small Parts 1412RPF Steel Thread Rolling Screw for Metal, Zinc Plated, 82 Degree Flat Head, Phillips Drive, 1/4"-20 Thread Size, 3/4" Length (Pack of 50): Thread Forming And Cutting Screws: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
Small Parts 1412RPF Steel Thread Rolling Screw for Metal, Zinc Plated, 82 Degree Flat Head, Phillips Drive, 1/4"-20 Thread Size, 3/4" Length (Pack of 50): Thread Forming And Cutting Screws: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
www.amazon.com
I've searched until I'm blue. Very odd to only find places that sell in 500/1000 piece lots, or don't have the usual drop down dialog to select screw sizes. Maybe you'll have better luck.
For me none, outside someone mentioned zinc plated as well above. Would I want to use anti-seize on the screw threads when putting them back in? My other question is, if I get so lucky to get all screws out without breaking one, do I clean out the threading? I kinda am worried about using a thread taping on aluminum threading.
The concern would be galvanic corrosion, although as this article states, small stainless screws in an aluminum panel isn't a huge issue. Still, given the exposed location, alternatives like zinc plated may be preferable.
