Norris Adjuster

Removing a Norris Adjuster

Steve Elliott

>The adjuster is removable. It is held in place by either two or three slotted screws which can be removed using a cranked screwdriver. Here�s a scan of the one I used:

To get a screwdriver that fit the slots in the screws, I bought a large one and ground the tips down.

You'll need to turn the adjuster knob forward or back to gain access to all of the screws. Removing them is a little slow because after each quarter turn, you have to switch ends on the screwdriver. When all the screws are out, the adjuster still may not want to come out easily due to fitting tightly in its mortise. To lift the adjuster, slip a piece of string around the shaft and move it down into the plane body as far as possible. By pulling up on the string and working the shaft back and forth gently, you can lift the adjuster body straight up out of its mortise.

I was glad I removed mine because there was enough dirt and grit in there to cause unnecessary wear.

The number and location of the screws used in the adjusters changed over the years. Here are a couple of models:

Re: Removing a Norris Adjuster

TomH

>Thank you very much, Steve, for the info.