what to use for screw slots

[oughtsix]

I have made some screws for a project and have been using a 3/32 end mill to cut the slots ( that's the smallest thing I can find) The screws look odd because of the "large" slot. what do you use to cut crisp small slots in screw heads,

Thanks,

-06

 

[Tony Wells]

Slitting saw if you want to machine them. Grind the set off a hacksaw blade if you want to hand craft them.

 

[rangerman]

I've used a Dremel tool with a thin cutoff wheel attachment to make slots on screws made out of harder materials.
Sometimes a hacksaw blade is good enough to perform the same work on softer steel.

 

[awander]

[SUB]You can buy special files, which cut only on the edges, for this purpose.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...th-tools/files/screw-head-files-prod5742.aspx
[/SUB]

 

[george wilson]

Starrett used to make screw slitting hack saw blades. They had no set,like Tony describes. I wish I could find some. I saw a set of them donated to the museum years ago,but the gunsmith shop nabbed them. I will hacksaw a groove,and clean it up with needle files or very thin files. For very fine screw slots,like found on high class European antique guns,I saw them with a large jeweler's saw blade(about .020" wide),and they make very neat screws.

 

[basalt]

Try this, a hacksaw will give you a 1/32" wide slot.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/machinist-accessories/screw-slot-fixture-prod18694.aspxView attachment Screw Slotting Fixture.pdf

 

[eightball]

i use an air powered end grinder with a small cut off disc.

 

[Cactus Farmer]

I cut slots with my shaper. Any size is easy with a ground tool. I can then match any screw on a repair.