How Do I Fix This?

[Refractordude]

A screw or whatever came out of the focuser tube. All is fine, the telescope is still very usable. The scope is a Meade LX70 120mm f8. What type/size of screw should I buy? I am not certain it was a screw that kept the focuser rail/track in proper place. Thanks to you all.

[Thefatkitty]

Hey Refractordude,

Well that sucks! Yeah, there's only two screws that hold these things on. You will need it eventually, as the one screw left will get loose/break.
The screw size? Freakin' small is all I've got on it. I don't have anything that measures a thread pitch that small This is a picture of what you need with an eyeglasses screwdriver next to it for size:

IMG_1661 (2).jpg

Maybe a screw from some eyeglasses would do, though my dollar store specials have even smaller screws.

If you really can't find one, shoot me a PM with your address and I'll put this in the mail for you; I've got more than a few from old focusers. Might cost me two bucks postage, big deal; but I'd be willing to help you out, no strings attached

BTW, that's a nice scope!!!

All the best,

[UlteriorModem]

A little JB Weld epoxy will probably fix it fine! Just make sure it is good and clean and free of grease / oil first.

[Bigzmey]

You definitely want to fix it. Since there are two screws you can use the second as a reference on what to buy.

Nice scope, BTW.

[Lady Fraktor]

If you are a member of a club maybe someone has an old focuser laying about, a hobby store for R/C may have a screw that would fit.
If not a thin coating of JB Weld or 2 part epoxy should repair it for now.

[notFritzArgelander]

Great advice! I can't improve. Those Synta made 120mm f8.33 scopes can be very nice with some TLC. Hope yours is back in shape soon!

[Refractordude]

I will try some eyeglasses screws first. If that does not work the epoxy idea is great. Thanks to you all

[Refractordude]

Hey Refractordude,

Well that sucks! Yeah, there's only two screws that hold these things on. You will need it eventually, as the one screw left will get loose/break.
The screw size? Freakin' small is all I've got on it. I don't have anything that measures a thread pitch that small This is a picture of what you need with an eyeglasses screwdriver next to it for size:


IMG_1661 (2).jpg


Maybe a screw from some eyeglasses would do, though my dollar store specials have even smaller screws.

If you really can't find one, shoot me a PM with your address and I'll put this in the mail for you; I've got more than a few from old focusers. Might cost me two bucks postage, big deal; but I'd be willing to help you out, no strings attached

BTW, that's a nice scope!!!

All the best,

Thanks a mil

[helicon]

Yeah I would take out the other screw carefully and then take it over to ACE or some other hardware store. They have a pretty good department for screws of all sizes - wood screws, concrete screws, drywall screws, machine screws. I would guess it's a very small machine screw. Good luck with it.

[John Fitzgerald]

It's metric. Likely about 2.5 mm, but carefully take the other screw out and match at a good hardware store. If you find them, get a spare. You never know, it could come out again. If what they have otherwise matches, but is too long, it is easily cut off and cleaned up with a hacksaw and file.

[pakarinen]

You might also want to check some model railroad stores. There are vast numbers of tiny screws used in rolling stock, etc. My guess would be that a hobby shop that carries RC planes would have a good selection also.

[helicon]

You might also want to check some model railroad stores. There are vast numbers of tiny screws used in rolling stock, etc. My guess would be that a hobby shop that carries RC planes would have a good selection also.

Good idea.

My local ACE has a train department - they carry Lionels, Bachmann HO, N gauge and so forth.

[Refractordude]

Thanks for all the advice

[russmax]

When you do find a replacement screw, be sure to use a bit of blue loctite do keep it from wiggling back out again. Also, these thread are probably easily stripped, so easy on the torque, and get your confidence from the thread-lock glue to keep it in place.
--Russmax