Common Hardware Size?
 

Is there a common hardware size for metric ring terminals? Specifically, what size screw is for the horn terminals?

I have tried finding a DIN standard to no avail, let alone for Mercedes. The EPC is no longer available, so no access to parts books. :(

Is there any other common sizes one should have on hand for accidents like I had with the horn screws? I know air cooled Volkswagen is M8s.

Thank you so very much in advance! :D

If we're talking horn screws then I think the ones on my W201 are M6 - I'll check tomorrow.

But if you are talking metric screws an assortment of coarse threaded screws can go a long way - but watch out! There are many situations where a fine thread metric is used instead - tie rod ends are a good example...

...I've been looking (locally) for a fine thread assortment of captive and normal nuts but I can't find a handy kit like that here in Holland. At the moment I just buy what I need when I need it - a thread gauge is invaluable to help you reduce the carpet bombing ordering effect!

http://shop.grfasteners.com/WebRoot/...read-gauge.jpg

Stretch, thank you so very much for the help! :D

Yes, but the screws holding the wire terminals to the horn's contact. I am sorry this was not clear. After many hours of searching seems to be a M2 no more than four millimetres long I.I.R.C..

I have a thread guage in my tap and die set, but the picture you posted has also the size guage!
That is definitely something useful and I will look into purchasing. Thank you! :D

That is something I was glad to learn early on: tap and die set is invaluable! Clean hardware is easier, safer, and less likely to be damaged. ;) The cadium plating on Mercedes hardware makes it unnecessary but not on the Volkswagen! Bet in wetter climates be more needed.

I bought a set of English and a set of metric many years ago. Among the best tool buys ever. Mine are MAC which I think are made by Hansen - they've held up great and I bought them in about 1983.

We are blessed with a couple of great hardwares and at least 3 nut and bolt stores. I can generally get pretty much anything in the nut and bolt department locally although I have ordered weird stuff on line or from ARP. Like a 12mm x 6 1/2" (whatever that is in metric) for the scattershield. Strange sizes......

Dan

Dan, thank you for the information! :D I checked and apparently that gauges quality has gone down since you have purchased yours.

I looked at buying one like what Stretch shows, but could only find it in England (Draper 45458 20-Blade 0.4-7 mm TPI Metric Screwpitch Gauge Set: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools) which makes shipping almost twice the price of the tool! :eek:

My thread gauge I have now works for now, so at least know where to get a replacement.

As for metric hardware, I am picky and have yet to find a good source. I don't trust my life to Asian made products. I looked at ARP, but couldn't find the country of manufacture. Do you know? How does one order?

I was thinking about Wurth since they are made in the USA, but looks like one have to buy more than just one.

Oh and I am one that likes having hardware at hand. I have a bottle of hardware and an organizer all organized for the Volkswagen and a small bottle for the Mercedes. Every time I go to the yard I try and snag a few bits since I have only seen less than I can count on my hand.

Hmm
 

EPC is working fine for me..

The screw answer is not simple.
I have horn sets covering 30 years, and at least 14 screw size / thread variations.
The horn wire lug screw appears to have been (to some degree) a horn supplier variable, only required to be a Phillips and fit the wire lug hole.

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The ARP stuff is all American. This is what racers all over the world rely on. You can get quite a bit of their stuff thru Summit and I've gone to their website for oddball stuff and IIRC I ordered directly from them - or maybe they sent me to Summit but with the needed ARP part number.

Anyhow - it's all top notch stuff. One of the things I like is that if you look at the ARP stickers on a top fuel, funny car, drag boat, INDY Series car, etc., well, that's the same stuff you buy when you get their products. It's not like they have "pro grade" stuff that they send to high profile teams and a lesser "consumer" grade that you'll get. It's all premium grade.

Dan

Hunter, thank you for the reply! :D

I have tried many times over a year, and will not let me create an account. I have emailed at least once and got back nothing. Can you create an account for me? Or can you look it up for me?

Now that I think on it, I finally found out you have to have a version of internet explore from the 1990's I.I.R.C. and couldn't find a copy. I will see if this has changed.

Do you have any of those screws available? Can I tell you a year and/or manufacturer and get a size? Or am I screwed? :P

Dan, thank you so very much for all this information! :D

ARP diffidently does seem fancier than Wurth! I am not that picky, but I have ordered before from Summit, so that is most likely the best option. Nice to know that their stuff is quality versus some of the stuff I have gotten in the past with bad threads and I bet their coatings are superb and not chunky like some junk I have gotten.

Dan, apparently the smallest size ARP has is M6. :( Tried Wurth, but just as I suspected minimum quantity is 100 and prefer shops over the individuals. How is Fastenel quality? I got some half asleep machinist who didn't really understand my question but claimed they were made in the USA.

Maybe I am over thinking this... :rolleyes: