Thread: transfer screws

Sorry - a really basic question, but what are transfer screws? Are they like transfer punches?

Michael

well i reckon i made some to mark the hole position for a chuck back plate just machined the heads off some high tensile bolts with a say 60 degree point screw them in so they are just above the surface
john

What size do you need, M8?

I bought them from Little Machine Shop IIRC.

I often use cup head grub screws. They make a nice little ring and it's pretty easy (unless it's a GIANT bolt) to prick a centre mark close enough to the actual centre. PDW

Made some of these out of metric bolts, one off job fitting a backplate to a 4 jaw chuck. Searched the net looking for a supplier in oz, can get the punches, not the screws. Easy to make, they worked well for the intended purpose.

DD

G'day Steve,
Just use a cone point grub screw, they are available in most sizes up to M12 or 1/2", cheap as dirt and available from any decent bolt place.
Cheers,
Greg.

Steve,
Like some of the others I have made them, more like a bolt than a screw, but they were nowhere as good as Heimann make, I have no been able to buy any in Australia though.
Michael G,
Google Heimann transfer screws.
Where I think they are good is in copying things like bell housing bolt patterns, especially if you are working with blind holes.
Regards
Ted

You can buy a complete set of metric and imperial transfer screws from the Little Machine Shop for $117.00 plus postage.
I would have to say that's the cheapest I have seen them new.
Scouring US Ebay they turn up second hand from time to time, But usually dearer than the Little Machine Shop sells them.
Hope this helps.
Matt

Grub screws would be my second choice. Not as accurate as having an actual punch point, however the main problem with self made ones like this may be getting them out again. Not a problem on a loose thread, but potentially embarrassing if the thread is tight. The store bought ones have a hex machined on the nose just behind the point and are driven in with their handy dandy holder. Just the very point is exposed just enough to transfer, thus maintaining best accuracy as the parts are otherwise almost fully mated. Rarely used as unless it's a blind hole, you can use transfer punches. Extremely handy when you do need to use them.

Matt I couldn't see a complete set as you described, were you just adding up the individual ones?

An alternative I'd possibly consider if I needed other sizes in a hurry would be to thread up some silver steel and machine in the hex and point, then harden it. You'd then have something every bit as good as store bought ones, but not worth the effort unless high precision was needed quickly.

[mUOTE=shaper07;1807954]hi
anyone know where i can buy transfer screws
steve[/QUOTE]

many thanks for all the very helpful replys
steve