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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 13 February 2014, 19:36:36

Title: Model F screws--what size are they? Anybody know?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 13 February 2014, 19:36:36
My Model F came with two screws that actually were Model M screws.  I'm wondering if anybody knows the exact screw size for screws that hold together the case of the Model F.
Title: Re: Model F screws--what size are they? Anybody know?
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 13 February 2014, 19:49:42
Aren't they the same? 7/32"
Title: Re: Model F screws--what size are they? Anybody know?
Post by: E TwentyNine on Thu, 13 February 2014, 20:34:43
Aren't they the same? 7/32"

Model F AT is 1/4"
Title: Re: Model F screws--what size are they? Anybody know?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 13 February 2014, 20:55:07
Oops, sorry for the Model F 122.  They are the same head size as the Model M, but the Model F screws have more threads.  The Model M screws will not stay tight in a Model F case.
Title: Re: Model F screws--what size are they? Anybody know?
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 13 February 2014, 21:14:55
Oops, sorry for the Model F 122.  They are the same head size as the Model M, but the Model F screws have more threads.  The Model M screws will not stay tight in a Model F case.

That makes sense. Like everything on the Model M, they are cheaped-down and simple compared to the F. Model M screws just go into plastic and need rough threads, while the F has metal sleeves inset into plastic stems to receive machine screws.
Title: Re: Model F screws--what size are they? Anybody know?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 14 February 2014, 06:19:16
Oops, sorry for the Model F 122.  They are the same head size as the Model M, but the Model F screws have more threads.  The Model M screws will not stay tight in a Model F case.

That makes sense. Like everything on the Model M, they are cheaped-down and simple compared to the F. Model M screws just go into plastic and need rough threads, while the F has metal sleeves inset into plastic stems to receive machine screws.


Yea, and those Model M screws strip the metal sleeves on Model F case.  I'm worried that the correct screws will have trouble sitting correctly, if I ever find the right ones.
Title: Re: Model F screws--what size are they? Anybody know?
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 14 February 2014, 11:45:28
The screws are metric, amazingly.

M4 - .7 x 14mm with an undersized hex head and flange. Home Depot sells M4-.7x12mm in either pan head Philips screw with a head about the same size as the original flange, or a hex bolt with a much larger head. The 12mm is a bit shorter than the original but should work OK.

I am glad that you brought this up, I needed a couple myself.

With luck, the new threads will re-mould the insides of the sleeves, at least partially.
Title: Re: Model F screws--what size are they? Anybody know?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 14 February 2014, 16:56:08
The screws are metric, amazingly.

M4 - .7 x 14mm with an undersized hex head and flange. Home Depot sells M4-.7x12mm in either pan head Philips screw with a head about the same size as the original flange, or a hex bolt with a much larger head. The 12mm is a bit shorter than the original but should work OK.

I am glad that you brought this up, I needed a couple myself.

With luck, the new threads will re-mould the insides of the sleeves, at least partially.

Thanks.  I would shoot out to the hardware store right now, but it's current Snowpocalypse, Part 4, out there right now, so I will wait until tomorrow.
Title: Re: Model F screws--what size are they? Anybody know?
Post by: semyorka on Fri, 14 February 2014, 23:45:42
If you're buying new bolts that don't quite match the originals, I'd just get some M4 x 14mm cap screws from McMaster.  Something like ~$8 for 50 in 18-8 stainless steel.  They've got some nice black-oxide coated ones as well.

I can't imagine that the threads are damaged to the point that chasing them with a tap won't clean them up.
Title: Re: Model F screws--what size are they? Anybody know?
Post by: 0100010 on Sat, 18 October 2014, 19:09:48
Necro post.

4704 boards also use M4 x.07 screws on the case.