Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
No. 6 LeverCap
Mike MacDonald
>Hi All;
A couple pf weeks ago I found a nice #6 Stanley with only one problem the handle for the lever cap was missing. My search for a replacement lever cap has been unsuccessful. Can I punch out the pin that would hold it and replace it with one from a broken cap?
The rest of the cap that is on the plane is in good condition the hansle is just gone.
TYIA M
Re: No. 6 LeverCap
Jim in Burlington Ontario
>I asked a similar question about the adjuster was broken used one from another plane. Slowly punched it out and replaced it. Try to use a punch the same size as the hole.
Re: No. 6 LeverCap
Kevin French, Antrim, NH
>My #6 LOOKS the same as the my 5 and 4.
Re: No. 6 LeverCap
Mike MacDonald
>The lever cap on mine is 2 3/8" instead of 2" like the #4 and #5 caps that I found.
Re: No. 6 LeverCap
Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA
>That would be correct - the No. 6 uses a wider iron than the 4 and 5. From quick inspection of the lever caps in my tool, um, arsenal, it appears the levers themselves are all the same size.
Make sure, when you're done, that you have the flat piece of spring steel under the lever that rubs against the cap iron - it makes a huge difference in the operation of the plane, reducing the friction of the iron adjustment.
If you break it in attempting to repair it, I believe Woodcraft sells the parts; or you may be able to pick one up from one of the dealers.
Re: No. 6 LeverCap
Kudzu
>Will defer to the others if it is possible but I don't see why not. Besides it's broke so what more damage can you do? :-)
Possible other solutions are, keep an eye on Ebay for a parts plane. Sometimes I see just parts for sale.
Also Stanly web site has a PDF catalog with many replacement parts. I have a copy on my other computer. They have an amazing amount of parts still available and they may have what your looking for.
Re: No. 6 LeverCap
Doug Reynolds
>Mike: While looking at the rear of the lever cap, top facing up, punch out the pin from left to right. Try to support the area around the pin as you punch gently. Otherwise your lever cap may become pieces. You can drill an oversized hole in a piece of plate steel and use it as a forge or anvil so to speak.
Re: No. 6 LeverCap
Todd Hughes
>I know that some caps from same size planes have different size levers and all will not interchange as i have had trouble befor doing this.If I rember right I was trying to replace an older[early 1900] broken lever with one from a later 1940's lever cap and it wouldn't fit so you may want to check the two closely befor taking the time to try it......Todd
Politically incorrect alternative
Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA
>One alternative no one's mentioned is that you could hacksaw off the lever portion altogether and drill and tap it for a thumbscrew or (better) knurled screw.
Then, when you upgrade, you could sell it on eBay as a "factory prototype."
Re: Results...or lack there of..
M. MacDonald
>Bill excellent idea...seeing as I just broke the shoulder portioin off...one too many taps...I just needed that little bit more to fit the lever in there.
So Stanley proto-type here I come...unless someone out there has a spare lever cap they would part with...
Mike
Re: No. 6 LeverCap
glh
>Highland Hardware in Atlanta carries replacement parts for Stanley planes (www.highland-hardware.com). However, I did a quick search of its website and didn't find these parts listed. Nevertheless, they are in Highland's mailorder catalog. Highland's telephone number is 1-800-241-6748. I believe lever caps are around $12.