LS Starrett hook rules - removing the hook - Hand Tools - Woodworking

LS Starrett hook rules - removing the hook

4/23/06, 3:12 AM #1

Bill Houghton, might be Spring in Sebastopol, CA
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LS Starrett hook rules - removing the hook

Bill Houghton, might be Spring in Sebastopol, CA

>Picked up two hook rules Friday, and am having trouble removing the hook (though I didn't have time to try very hard). The screw slot is WAY narrow for its size. I'm thinking I should determine what thickness of feeler gauge stock will fit, then grind a super-stubby screwdriver that is just long enough below the (glued-on scales) handle to fit in the slot. Will such stock be strong enough?

And one more question: I assume the screw is actually cam-action - do they remove in conventional left-loose direction, or do they loosen when turned right? Or does it depend on how the last mechanic put it on?

Re: LS Starrett hook rules - removing the hook

4/24/06, 8:44 PM #2

Mike DeHart, South Jersey
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Re: LS Starrett hook rules - removing the hook

Mike DeHart, South Jersey

>According to the Starrett info I have, the hook is held by the cam action screw you mentioned. It is just an offset shank screw so it could be tightened either direction. I would start by assuming a right handed person tighened it and it should turn CCW to remove. As far as fitting a bit into the screw, I would start with a typical hex shank driver tip that is close and carefully grind it to fit. If you mess it up you really haven't lost anything. If you grind carefully without heating it up you have the right material in the right temper.

Of course, this is based on what LSS sells today. I have some old hook rules that, IIRC, the hooks are not meant to be removed. I might be wrong since I havent used them in years and I have never needed to remove a hook.

Re: LS Starrett hook rules - removing the hook

4/25/06, 6:52 PM #3

Bill Houghton
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Registered: 1/1/70

Thanks

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

>These have definite screwheads, which implies the option of removing. I expect to leave the hook in place on the 6" rule - it's not like it's my only 6" Starrett rule - but I'm always taking the rule out of my 9" combination square when doing layout, so I'd like to turn the 9" rule into a bench rule (and then try to figure out where to store the hook and screw where I'll find them if I ever decide I need them. Probably another good use for Altoids boxes...).

LS Starrett hook rules - removing the hook

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