Old Stanley #5

Paul Chapman · 2 Jul 2006

I have an old USA-made Stanley #5 that my Mum bought for my Dad as a present in about 1939. It was in a bit of a sorry state when I acquired it after Dad died many years ago. Anyway, I cleaned it up and it works quite well but I've never been able to move the frog adjusting screw which is rusted in. Several times over the years I have soaked it in penetrating oil but it won't budge.

It's not really a problem because I'm not exactly hard-up for a plane and its value to me is more of a sentimental one, but it would be nice to get it fully functional. Any one have any ideas what else I can try or would it be best to leave well alone?

Thanks

Paul

ike · 2 Jul 2006

If finesse won't do it then how about a bit a (careful) brutality.

Sharp hits with brass drift on head of screw?
Impact driver?

Either with sole placed over a rigid 'dead' flat surface like a thick flat steel, vice anvil or bench anvil if you have one.

A high performance penetrant release spray. Rocol do one although it's a bit pricy at £8 a can it is better than normal WD40 type stuff.

The above plus chill the screw with a can of refridgerant spray (like plumbers use for freezing pipes.

cheers,

Ike

engineer one · 2 Jul 2006

not sure whether these stanley screws would still be available,
but if they are, or you want to re-tap, then the extractors would be
a way to try. axminster are doing some in their latest catalogue,
or the trend ones.

a little gentle heat might be helpful and trying to break the
joint by screwing in, and then backing out.

if it works maybe don't try to fix it.

paul :wink:

mahking51 · 2 Jul 2006

Paul,
This happens a lot, don't be too worried if the screw breaks. They can be found fairly easily or else just drill out carefullyy and retap the hole to a thread that is close, then rethread the 'new' screw to your tapped thread. Works fine.
regards
Martin

Losos · 5 Jul 2006

Hi Paul,
I've found that gentle heat on the outside usually works, keep it away from the screw if you can.
It's also possible to use the freezing technique but more difficult to apply only to the screw.