I need help finding 2.6M - .45 - 6mm set screws

[thesjkexperienc]

Sorry for the drama, but I am pulling my hair out! The set screws that came with: http://www.warmoth.com/Modified-Must...-P616C820.aspx are all too long and I have searched and searched and I can't find the correct size set screw. All the screws are over 1/16" too tall and it makes it harder to mute the strings without cutting up your hand.

The bridge itself is fantastic and even with the screw problem I prefer it to a stock JM and the Mastery I had for a year. It has 2 to 3 times the sustain of the stock JM bridge, but it doesn't leave Jazzmaster-land tonally the way the Mastery does. Plus the string spacing is much better on the linked bridge!

It seems the set screws I need are 2.6M, .45 thread and about 6 mm tall. I suspect it is common in Japan, but I can't seem to find anyone who will sell less than a pallet full. The screws are Stainless so sanding is out. I thought I could get away with no screws at all, but the two E string saddles need to be raised to hit 9.5" radius. If all else fails I will have to look into a small vice and a very sharp and fine hack saw.

Any help is appreciated!

[Sweetfinger]

Grind the bottoms until they are all the perfect height. You can use a belt sander, grinder, sandpaper, or Dremel with a cutoff wheel or grinding bit.

[fumbler]

Izzat a typo? Should be M2.5-0.45? Metric screws come as M2 or M2.5 or M3 . . . never seen M2.6

Anyway, here are stainless metric set screws at amazon for not too much for a box of 100. They should have your size: there's M2.5-.45 in lengths of 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 mm.

I've gotten a few boxes of these (Imperial size for vintage-style strat saddles) and they work great.

[thesjkexperienc]

Originally Posted by fumbler

Izzat a typo? Should be M2.5-0.45? Metric screws come as M2 or M2.5 or M3 . . . never seen M2.6

Anyway, here are stainless metric set screws at amazon for not too much for a box of 100. They should have your size: there's M2.5-.45 in lengths of 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 mm.

I've gotten a few boxes of these (Imperial size for vintage-style strat saddles) and they work great.

Unfortunately, the 2.6M is not a typo and that is why I am having so much trouble finding shorter screw! We found both a nut that fit the set screw and a 2.6 screw in the saddle. I even tried using the screw they had upside down, but the head was just large enough it didn't work.

I guess a Dremel kit is in my future, but I already have a belt sander, so I could try that first. How do you hold the screw tight enough and not ruin the threads? Once I shorten the set screws I will LocTite them into a 9.5" radius.

[SNick]

Does Warmoth carry the right size? I have a Strat that if I don't angle the wrench the right way it will not go in. Just a thought.

[melodiusthunk]

Try McMaster.com if you can't find what you need elsewhere, they can get everything for you (screws, tools, etc.)

[thesjkexperienc]

Originally Posted by melodiusthunk

Try McMaster.com if you can't find what you need elsewhere, they can get everything for you (screws, tools, etc.)

Thanks! I just bought a bunch of different Gabbrolite from them for pickguards. I will look and maybe call tomorrow.

[kato]

Don't know if you're still looking for them. But Mouser sells them for 17¢ each:

Search on: 48SM026

EDIT: Oh whoops - I missed that you're seeking "set screws." The screws I referenced meet all your requirements - EXCEPT they have a screw cap on top. They might still be usable if you dremmel off the cap and slice a slot on top for a mini screwdriver.

[Rhomco]

I would just grind them off but you may not have a grinder. Another alternative would be to convert your metric threaded holes to a more common SAE thread. Just drill & tap the existing metric threads with a SAE 4-40 or 6-32 tap. This would open the door to any length set screws you would ever need.
Any R/C hobby shop will have the tap& drill sets if you dont have a local hardware source.
Good luck on your project,
Rob