Screws for attaching Lionel 022 switch controllers?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

OK…I am finalizing the wiring on the Christmas layout, and I am trying to find screws to attach the switch controls. #6 is too big to fit thru the holes, and I can’t find any #4x1-1/4 screws.

How do you attach these things?

Thank you,

Kurt

2

I took a switch controller down to my local Ace Hardware store and found some screws that fit into the narrow opening and were long enough to be screwed into the layout. I don’t know what size they are, but you should be able to find them through trial and error.

3

#4 screws are definitely needed. In So. Calif, I’ve found that O.S.H. (Orchard Supply Hardware) has an excellent collection of screws, nuts, washers, etc. for all these strange holes and sizes in Lionel equipment. I don’t know if O.S.H. is available in your area, but “big box” hardware stores might have #4 screws. Bob A.

4

Hi Just got some screws # 4 in and they come in one inch and also in 1 and 1/4 inchs long. They are made by Hillman these are round head…The item # is 20039 for the inch and a Quarter. Hope that helps you…Felix This was bought from a local hardware store. He ordered them for me

5

The mounting holes are countersunk for flathead screws; so your best bet might be to look for #4 flathead wood screws, which will reach a little farther for the same nominal length and are easier to find in longer lengths than sheet-metal screws.

6

Great!

Thanks for the help…neither local big box(s), nor the little guys have #4x1-1/4-inch.

I’ll keep looking.

Kurt

7

Here is the place for almost any type screw. This link is to the #4 sheet metal screws that are great when used in place of wood screws. I use them to hold down O-27 Lionel track.

http://www.boltdepot.com/product.aspx?cc=11&cs=45&cm=7&cd=586

8

kpolak,

Try searching Google for “fasteners” without the quotation marks.

You mentioned that it was a “Christmas” layout. Does that mean “temporary?” If so, you might get along quite well with double sticky-sided foam tape, or the sticky-but-easily-removable tacky clay-like products, both available at any good hardware store. Or make “horseshoe” straps out of thin brass stock.

Is there enough material in the controllers to permit a slight enlargement of the holes?

9

If you haven’t found the screws yet, you might try this: Drill a hole in the table and put a small tie-wrap from the bottom through the holes in the table and the controller. Then put the female head of another tie-wrap onto the first one and trim off the excess tail.

10

I found #4 x 1 1/4" at the Sear’s Hardware by my home. If you have one by you I’m sure they would have them. The “big box” stores (home depot, lowes) only carry the most standard sizes, what a shame.

11

Good news!

I found #4 x 1-1/4-inch wood screws at Fastenal (Fastenal.com). They’re on line, and can ship to local locations…for free.

(50) of these are $1.46.

Kurt

Thanks again for all the help.