How Do You Cut Screws To The Proper Length?

[Cadillac STS]

Dremel tool and a cut off wheel. Put a nut on first so it helps clean up the thread on the way off.

 

[kd4gij]

This thread got me to thinking.anic: This HF tool might have a use after all. http://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-mini-bench-top-cut-off-saw-61900.html A 2" cutoff wheel some 1" angle drilled and taped for te screws. If you cut alot of screws.

 

[zmotorsports]

For small machine screws I have an old wire stripping tool that is used exclusivtely for screw cutting. I then touch them against the 120 grit belt sander and dress the and with a slight chamfer.

If I need it to be "exact", I use a double nut to cut up to along with dressing it against the belt sander. I also made some small holders to fit a couple of screw sizes in which I can use the 12" disc sander and then touch against the 120 grit belt sander.

 

[Cadillac STS]

This thread got me to thinking.anic: This HF tool might have a use after all. http://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-mini-bench-top-cut-off-saw-61900.html A 2" cutoff wheel some 1" angle drilled and taped for te screws. If you cut alot of screws.

My wife uses one of those for cutting wooden dowels. I doubt it would cut metal.

 

[Andre]

Hacksaw then use a die to finish the threads. If I don't have a die for the threads I run around the end of the thread with a file or spin it while on the belt sander. Electricians pliers also work GREAT for cutting screws, built in die and all.

 

[John Hasler]

My wife uses one of those for cutting wooden dowels. I doubt it would cut metal.

You could replace the saw blade with an abrasive disk.

 

[rwm]

That is very interesting...
R

 

[hman]

For smaller screws, I generally use either a wiring tool (previously mentioned) or a Dremel. Years ago, when I were a engineer, I had the model shop make me a screw plate - #0 thru #4 threaded holes, with a number of steps from 1/8" to about 1/2". It's very handy if I need a specific length of a tiny screw.

I usually clean up the end of the thread with a 1" belt sander. If the screw lends itself to the technique, I will hold the head in a cordless drill chuck to get a nice all-around bevel.

Rick Sparber is a member of this forum, and I aplogize if I'm taking his name in vain ... but he has several PDFs that deal with cutting (on a horizontal/vertical bandsaw) and cleaning up screws:

http://rick.sparber.org/BCF.pdf
http://rick.sparber.org/aubc.pdf
http://rick.sparber.org/dsv.pdf

 

[Ulma Doctor]

What you need to make is a screw gizzy. Here is a link to a video about making one. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=13252/guntechdetail/Screw_Cut_Off_Fixture

Here is a link to a screw gizzy sold by Brownells. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...hing-wheels/screw-holder-gizzie--prod599.aspx

Vlad

Thanks Vladymere,
i didn't know they were called gizzy's
and old machinist showed me the technique many many moons ago.
He used angle iron so that it could be easily be chucked in a vise or easy to grab when using a bench grinder i may add.
we'd use an angle grinder or die grinder or bench grinder, dependent on the fastener diameter.
works like a charm!
thanks for sharing!


[HMAN Quote
Rick Sparber is a member of this forum, and I aplogize if I'm taking his name in vain ... but he has several PDFs that deal with cutting (on a horizontal/vertical bandsaw) and cleaning up screws:

http://rick.sparber.org/BCF.pdf
http://rick.sparber.org/aubc.pdf
http://rick.sparber.org/dsv.pdf
Quote]

Thanks Also to Hman!!!
great info and PDF's thanks for sharing!!

mike)

P.S. I Bite EM' Off, Sometimes....:jester:

 

[pjf134]

The last one I did was a 2-56 and taped a plate then hacksaw flush and used a grinder or file before un screwing. I could not find the right length at my hardware store for that size. I did save the plate and will add to it when the need arises.
Paul