Screw sizes

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

what screw sizes are used to secure post war controls to a panel? Like the turnout controls, crane controls and such. I am working on building a panel

thanks

shane

2

There is no exact answer for that one as every type of control has it’s own size and length. #4 is a good size for a lot of things. However some controls like UCS tracks are mounted underneath and friction-slide into place with flat-head screws. O22 switch controls are 2-1/2 thin #4 sheetmetal screws. It really varies and requires a sack of controls and a trip to the hardware store.

3

BigAl I believe what he really was looking for was what size screw to secure a controller to a control board. I’m guessing some type of long and skinny wood screw, so it could penertrate the wood base.

And again it depends as a O22 controller mounting holes are probably deeper than the mounting screw holes say for a push button controller. here it would be more the legnth than the size in diamiter.

4

For what it’s worth, a number-5 screw has a major diameter of 1/8 (.125) inch. Other numbered sizes go up and down from there in .013 inch steps. So:

1 .073
2 .086
3 .099
4 .112
5 .125
6 .138
7 .151
8 .164
9 .177
10 .190
11 .203
12 .216

5

I know first hand from my control panel a #022 switch control needs a long skinny screw. 2 1/2" #4 should do it. Use sheet metal screws instead of wood screws that taper in. Lionel never had 1 standard size to mount controls so the best way to figure it out is to throw your controllers in a bag and schlep over to the hardware store and match them up as

6

Thanks. I figured it was a mishmosh of sizes. Was wondering if there was a general consensus on sizes for securing controls. A more generally recommend this size for this controller. That size for that one. And so on. Maybe i will sit and come up with that list as i work on my panel

shane