DW788 Thump Screw Clamp

[smitty0312]

Does anyone know the thread size of the blade clamp thump screw? Any help will be well appreciated, I want to re-tap the screw hole. Thankyou.

[dgman]

Hey Dan, I don't know the thread size but keep in mind that the blade clamp is made from aluminum which is a very soft metal. Re-tapping may not work. The important thing to remember is they strip because you use to much torque when tightening the thumb screw. Chances are you do this because the blades slip in the blade clamp under high tension. The trick is to sand the ends of new blades with 220 grit sandpaper before installing the blade, then you don't need to use as much torque when tightening the thumb screw.
The blade clamps and thumb screws are wear items that will need to be replaced in time depending on use.

[multifasited]

You could take your set screw to a good machine shop,get sized and get a helicoil kit .That you will play hell stripping ,but he is right ,about the cause but,your passed the now ,other wise you need a new pc .retap won't last if it works at all.The two choices ,are I can think of .new part  pc probably cheaper ,clamp screw has slip grip ,would not recomend any w/o slip grip ,Just MHO

[GrayBeard]

New blade holder bodies are about $9 from "Ereplacementparts.com" and delivery is about a week.
Having replaced one I have decided that I will always keep at least one replacement on hand.
I may never need another one since I think I now know how tight to twist that thumbscrew, but, I will never again be in the position of not being able to use my saw because of my might hands....

I think that thread is metric and about 6mm, but don't take that as gospel!

~~~GB~~~

[smitty0312]

Thanks for the replies guys, I found a temporary "quick fix", I took the set screw out from the other side, put my thumb screw in that side, then put the set screw in where the thumb screw goes and there must been enough threads to hold that, for now it is backwards....but it works, I cut 5 more projects out after this fix and it is holding....so far, I will order a new clamp assembly today, I hope my fix holds til the new clamp assembly arrives. Thanks again.

[edward]

 I sand the set screw for now, but I know eventually I will have to replace it. Check out Rick Hutinson site, he may have some ideas.  Edward

[bettyswood]

The thumb screw that held the "hold down" clamp might work for you too.  Good Luck