Bead Replacement....

Roundsworth · 11-03-2012, 05:22 PM

....dilemma! I have a nice replacement bead for my 1906 NH, but cannot install it. It is identical to the one I removed, just not bent up. The threads are tapered and appear to be in better shape than the original. I have three little installation tools from Brownells, but none of them fit. I need to figure out a way to safely grasp the bead to install it. I am also thinking that the threads will need to be cut down a bit to better match the old one. Any ideas? Thanks, and, Cheers

Kensal Rise · 11-03-2012, 06:40 PM

Roundsworth:
If your "tools" are the collar-adjustable cup type, I find it hard to believe that one of them won't do the trick. If not, you might try a small hand pin vise. Some are even made of plastic these days.

These tools are also good for holding the bead while you grind off a few threads to shorten up the shank.

Best, Kensal

Roundsworth · 11-03-2012, 06:45 PM

Kensal, I tried to open up the smallest tool, but it would not work. The other two were too large. I'll figure something out. The threads are the same and the bead goes into the rib about 2/3 of the way. A bit of careful needle filing should help. I don't want to overdo it, seeing as the tapered threads assist in providing a tight fit once the bead is seated.

J. A. EARLY · 11-03-2012, 08:14 PM

I use a fraction of a drop of super glue on them and it keeps them in place for me after filing to fit.

Roundsworth · 11-03-2012, 09:06 PM

Well, I managed to get one of the bead tools to work! I carefully reduced the thread diameter on the bead with a needle file and installed it. Not a real crisis, I guess, but original Parker beads are probably not common and I did not wish to ruin the one I just bought.

Chris Pedersen · 11-08-2012, 01:15 PM

just curious if you know the size of the original bead screw. Have a similar issue coming up.

Roundsworth · 11-08-2012, 05:53 PM

The bead threads fit into the number 2 hole in my Brownell Screw Checker. They are tiny....2-56?

B. Dudley · 11-08-2012, 10:00 PM

A pin vise is usually what is used to screw in a bead. It works much like a drill chuck is principle.

Hammer Gun · 11-09-2012, 07:16 AM

Somewhere under my bench are two original beads and I have never found them, dropped both when working on a gun. did not have the proper tools! maybe I will find them someday. Gary

Kensal Rise · 11-09-2012, 08:38 AM

Hammergun:
Somewhere under MY bench there are at least 228 small screws and springs that I will never find. At least you have kept an inventory!

Best, Kensal