DOD 1987- bottom plate screw size?

aon

aon

Well-Known Member
Country flag
I've acquired a FX80B that is in pretty nice condition overall but is missing one of the bottom plate screws. Does anyone know what size screw this could be? Probably some non-metric magic ;)

I checked and on the FX102 the thread seems to be slightly bigger and the taper is slightly less pronounced. I also have an older 1985-1987 (with attack knob instead of release) FX80B and that also has a slightly larger screw, which also is metal coloured instead of black and has no taper...

IMG_20200618_133127.jpg IMG_20200618_133300.jpg IMG_20200618_133242.jpg

Why I have two FX80B's you might ask? Because this guy uses one:


Stumbled upon two of them almost simultaneously, both are in very good nick and I should be able to get the money I spent back on them here... Sadly it's not the compressor for me though, still prefer the MXR Super Comp to everything I've put it against. Guess I'll try to get a script logo Dyna Comp next to see if I could have one less knob...
 
RVA said:
Standard enclosure screws

guitarpedalparts.com

Enclosure Screws, 6-32 x 1/2" Stainless Steel

These are replacement screws for most pedal enclosures. 6-32 threading 1/2" length 18-8 stainless steel Philips flat head machine screw Comes in a pack of 4
guitarpedalparts.com guitarpedalparts.com
Click to expand...

Found my calipers... The thread on these is approximately 6mm long and the thread diameter from the "highest" part of the thread (the "crest") or whatever is approximately 3.4 mm. They're not countersunk but the other thing (dome head)? Pozidriv 2 seems to be the right key for them. To my metrically trained eye the pitch of the thread looks pretty close to the "normal" metric thread which would be 0.5 mm for M3 / 0.7 mm for M4...

So my main problem now is that I don't know how to convert metric decimals to inch fractions and don't know the US thread sizes. Looks like I also don't have the vocabulary, it's almost like trying to talk about fishing :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: RVA
Maybe it's #6-32 UNC x 1/4"? Looks like that's the normal computer case screw as well, should be very easy to try out...
 
I have an FX80b. Some guy was selling used, dirty pedals really cheap at a guitar show years ago. I bought a ton of DODs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: aon
@aon your best bet may be to take a sample to your local hardware store to match it up. I did just that yesterday when I found myself short some screws from something I took apart 15 years ago and now finally ready to put back together. Fortunately for me, I still had one of the original screws.
 
WavMixer said:
@aon your best bet may be to take a sample to your local hardware store to match it up. I did just that yesterday when I found myself short some screws from something I took apart 15 years ago and now finally ready to put back together. Fortunately for me, I still had one of the original screws.
Click to expand...

Traditionally (up to maybe 25 years ago...) our hardware stores had a tendency for notoriously bad service and prices depending on whether you were a frequent visitor or not... So almost all of the small ones got driven out of business by a couple of big box store chains. Although there are still a few small ones in business (and they tend to have better service nowadays), I think going to most of them to ask for an inch-size fastener is like going to a computer shop and asking for a serial cable ;) Although I did go and buy serial cables and a floppy drive in 2018. Had a very nice chat with the cashier lady about what I need those for... It was for some work I had to do in Korea and she was into Korean music and stuff. Not bad, usually you just get blank stares for needing junk like that.

Anyway, I took a screw off a computer hard disk which is #6-32 x 1/4". Looks like that fits. Now I need to order some of them with the right kind of head :celebrate2:

2457102497_81fd86ee1c.jpg


Looks like I still get to go down these fun rabbit holes even though I've decided to limit my "hobbies" mostly to music-related activites instead of trying to do everything that's even remotely interesting :)
 
I just finished using the screws I was able to get from my friendly helpful neighborhood hardware store to secure the rear speaker covers in my car that have been off for years. I had to remount the after market speakers from the bottom of the shelf so the covers would fit. My lazy butt should have done this years ago.

I had to pull the rear seat out to run wires for my backup cam, so I worked on the speakers while I was there. Being on furlough has taken away my excuse of being too busy to work on 1/2 finished projects. @Sp8ctre will be proud of me finally buttoning up the loose wires hanging out on the passenger footwell of my car.
 
WavMixer said:
I just finished using the screws I was able to get from my friendly helpful neighborhood hardware store to secure the rear speaker covers in my car that have been off for years. I had to remount the after market speakers from the bottom of the shelf so the covers would fit. My lazy butt should have done this years ago.

I had to pull the rear seat out to run wires for my backup cam, so I worked on the speakers while I was there. Being on furlough has taken away my excuse of being too busy to work on 1/2 finished projects. @Sp8ctre will be proud of me finally buttoning up the loose wires hanging out on the passenger footwell of my car.
Click to expand...

Truth! I was always worried about getting tangled up in the wires and screwing up Grant's car!
 
Sp8ctre said:
Truth! I was always worried about getting tangled up in the wires and screwing up Grant's car!
Click to expand...
Not to happen again. I'm wiring up a front close up cam so I don't hit those white concrete parking blocks and them I'm done. Perhaps I can drive by and pickup some gear when you are allowed visitors again.
 
WavMixer said:
Not to happen again. I'm wiring up a front close up cam so I don't hit those white concrete parking blocks and them I'm done. Perhaps I can drive by and pickup some gear when you are allowed visitors again.
Click to expand...

I'm allowed visitors now. The building is on lock down, but I have full access. I'll be in Nevada next week, but after that we can make plans...
 
Sp8ctre said:
I'm allowed visitors now. The building is on lock down, but I have full access. I'll be in Nevada next week, but after that we can make plans...
Click to expand...
I can bring the pt cruiser so I should be able to take all the guitars and one amp on that trip. Too much gear for my car.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top