whitlock steering pedestal

[moodyenigma]

Does anyone know where I con obtain the allen headed countersunk machine screws which attach the top plate to my Whitlock pedestal. I have tried Lewmar/Whitlock, numerous engineering suppliers and ebay <span style="color:blue"> </span> . I believe the screws are imperial, but I don't know which thread. They are about 3/16". Thanks

 

[MoodySabre]

Hi and welcome

I have no first hand experience but others recommend
Robin Sims (Sims Marine) 07764 188815 based Southampton
robin@simsmarine.fsnet.co.uk

Good hunting

 

[dickh]

Do you have an original? If so you can get them identified by a supplier easily. If it's 3/16" then it's probably 3/16 UNC or Whit. In practice these are interchangeable. If there is corrosion in the aluminium pedestal it may be a good idea to tap the threads deeper and use longer screws(not sure of the configuration and this may not be relvant).
Try Anglia Stainless for screw supply if you can send them a sample for identification.

 

[moodyenigma]

Thanks for all that. I do have all the originals. They are on the boat 110 miles away! I'd rather be sailing too but the bad weather initiated maintenance. Don't try metric allen keys on imperial machine screws, otherwise you will find yourself on this forum looking for replacements. I think the weather is about to improve. That should save some money.

 

[TigaWave]

www.a2a4.co.uk have a good range, if you're unsure of thread size tap out to the next metric size. If it's the same as my old one don't the screws which hold the compass also hold the plate? in which case they don't do much? that's how I remember mine.

Alternatively get a thread checker out of a tap set and make sure.