Threads on PowerMaster 8-32 or 4mm?

Lionel may still be using an old standard thread on those posts, which is 36. You find it on smaller binding posts, like the 022 switches in 4-36. But, 8-32 and 6-32 were the others they typically used since the pre-war days.

I hope they didn't go metric.

I don't have a powermaster to check. I do have a metric thread gauge, but that doesn't help you.

I would have to believe these to be metric having been made in China. I went to a local hardware store of late to try to purchase small screws in the SAE sizes. I was told at that time most all now is metric.

Ray

Just check my modern ZW-C posts. They are 8-32. or have 32 TPI 

Check the Legacy base common post it's like a 6-36 or M5.5, but not enough TPI for an M5.5. It has a 36 TPI

An M4 can have ~37 TPI or more

Take it to a hardware store and try an M4 nut.

No one has 36 as it was an old standard. It's Lionel only as far as I know.

Actually Carl, it's just an old standard.  Other folks used them.

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/BPT436.htm

quote:

I hope they didn't go metric.

Don't know about the Powermaster.

Lionel did use metric binding posts in at least one place during the modern era.

Lionel #5132-56 is a metric binding post nut. I guess it goes on a Modern era "O" gauge remote switch.

There could be others.

Yep, the 36 TPI was called "the clockmakers thread". The banjo thing is the first result google returns. usually a specialty use. Try to find a generic binding nut in 36 TPI.

It was never used much for general hardware.

CW,

Oh well, I guess the metrics will creep in eventually. I learned about the 36 TPI trying to locate something similar to 6SP-5122-076 (4-36) locally at hardware suppliers. Resorted to finding a dealer with a box full of old binding nuts.

The metric TPI standard seems to be a "close to" number. have you seen any specific charts?

Thanks for the replies, gents.

I was at an Ace Hardware half way to work, trying to find something for work, and I just couldn't bring my self to buying one 4mm nut for 0.13 to the register. (Never mix home and work, just not worth it, and it would open up all sorts of questions with accounting anyways).

Maybe over the weekend, another Ace is within walking distance of my house.

Another thing - it is possible that wing nuts could touch each other on the PowerMaster.

Michael

I guess that depends on the wing nuts.

The posts on the Legacy Powermaster are only .65" apart, so they'd have to be pretty small wing nuts to fit.

grj, I admire you posting in that 'Any engineers out there?', I wouldn't touch that one with a ten foot pole.

I just say what's on my mind.  Sometimes they don't want to hear it.

Michael,

Take the powermaster with you. You'll have the whole hardware section to sample for a fit.

The answer is ..... the threads are 4mm; but I am still missing something, metric does come coarse and fine pitch. Metric threads are not spec'ed in threads per unit distance, but the reciprocal, distance per revolution.

Verified on original Command Base. Did not get around to verifying on the Legacy Power Masters.

My local Ace Hardware also has stainless steel 4mm wingnuts, priced at 2.20 each. I think I can do better at McMaster. If it was one, no question, but 7, now wait a minute.