HELP: Missing centering tool for Nikon Optiphot objectives

[JWW]

Use a file instead of a cutting tool, much less torque.

I did.

-JW:

[JWW]

I've learned to try not and say anything with certainty but I think the hex shaft is not 2mm nor 1.27mm (0.050"). I purchased another 1.27mm cap screw today (meaning the hex is 1.27") turned it down to fit the bore but it doesn't work. So, for my last shot for now, I ordered a set screw M3x0.5mm 16mm from Mc-Master today. It has a 3mm diameter too so it should fit in the bore without machining. It take a 1.5 allen head wrench. I figured since the 2mm seems to spin and the 1.27mm seems to small, the 1.5mm is the best shot. We'll find out soon.

[MichaelG.]

I wait with ‘bated breath

No, I don’t have a Nikon with these centring adjusters ... it’s just an interesting exercise.

MichaelG.

[JWW]

Well if it matters to anyone, the set screw I ordered from McMaster-Carr worked perfectly (M3x0.5mmx16mm long ). So the hex is 1.5mm. Keep in mind that I also went to ACE Hardware local to me but they didn't have it, that's why I ordered it. I made my purchase at McMaster simply because the drawing confirmed the hex was 1.5mm (as the image I posted before confirms). I've also seen them on Amazon in a small quantity. You can easily grip the set screw with your fingers so you don't need to make a handle for it (which would be very easy to make). I have 49 left.

[MichaelG.]

.
Brilliant result;
but it just goes to prove that, excellent as it appeared, your impression must have ‘sprung back’

... Best watch some more re-runs of CSI

MichaelG.

[JWW]

You can also just use your fingers IF you order the one I did ... or something like this if you don't have the tools to fabricate a handle.

[Element 56]

In the past I have made similar tools by tapping a piece of thin-walled brass tubing over the screw/nut or whatever your working on. You might want to heat it a little but the tube will take the necessary shape. Once firmly seated remove and solder or epoxy it into another slightly larger brass tube being sure the corners fill in. From that you can make a "T" handled tool. You might clean it up a little with a needle file or ceramic stones under the stereo scope (if you have any that small).

Obliviously you want to use some penetrating lub on the screw prior to using the new tool to give yourself as much advantage as possible. If you get one of them out you might consider a little slot so you can use a screwdriver in the future.

I hope that makes sense?

Regards,
Kirby

[Element 56]

I should add there are micro nut drivers. My smallest is 5/64 but Wiha makes a 1.5mm

Kirby

[JWW]

I couldn't find a micro nut driver in 1.5mm hex with a outer socket diameter of 3mm. As I said, the M3 grub screw that I posted works flawlessly and you can easily grip and turn it with your fingers. Seems to me that everything else would be moot issue and a waste of time. You can buy 20 M3's keyed for 1.5mm hex on eBay for under two bucks.

[Element 56]

Great to know!