I have a couple of //e units that are missing one or more of the screws that attach the bottom plate of the machine to the top part of the case and/or the screws that attach the power supply to the base plate. Does anyone know the specs of the screw types so I can order some? Maybe a suggestion on the best place to order a few dozen of them or whatever the minimum package size is?
I've asked about this before and never really got any good answers. I had a new parts machines I took stuff from to fix repairable units but I've run out of things like the case screws and power supply screws and I'd like to finish repairing what is possible.
OK... I broke down and just took examples with me to Home Depot to see what I could find... So I am documenting this here in case someone (maybe me again) later needs it.
For the case screws, #6 x 1/2" sheet metal screws are close enough they work, maybe not a perfect match to the originals. Everbuilt 8-87480-06201-4
For the power supply, #4-40 x 3/8" round head machine screws fit. Everbuilt 8-87480-02941-3
I forgot I need some of the screws that hold the motherboard down at the back too. I'll have to repeat this process for that at a later date. Maybe tomorrow if I have time and am out and about.
Be very careful using sheet metal screws in thermoplastics and thermosets as the flank angle of a sheet metal screw will be different than the previously used screw and can cause cracking. Self tapping screws used in plastics usually have a flank angle of 30 or 45 degrees, while a common sheet metal screw has a flank angle of almost 60 degrees.
I've got a list I created somewhere and was trying to find a way to publish it, but now I don't recall exactly where I put it. Likely in a folder dedicated to II reworks on a server in the house...
What I remember was I found a great resorce online that gave side-by-side measurements and equalivents for standard and metric values. For example m3.5 (which is used in Apple IIs) is very close (at least close enough) that 6-32 can be used in its place. But then you have the course/fine threading which just makes things more confusing for those that don't really know screws because there's lenght, threading, and thread style, head style can sometimes factor in too. Lots to consider for something we all think is fairly simple fastener. Fun stuff for sure.
Since I couldn't find anything on the specs anywhere I was pretty much limited to finding the closest thing that they had at Home Depot. As noted, the #6 x 1/2" sheet metal screws are not a perfect match to the originals but at least in the pasticular //e case I put them into it seems fine. It is in pretty good shape other than a little patina and a chup broke out near the keyboard. This unit had a badly broken keyboard that was salvaged for keycaps and switches so I am using it with a PS/2 to //e adapter from Ian Kim.
Following this and hoping there might be similar info for my // Europlus which was bought as a basket case, barely enough screws to hold it together (so I'd like to replace all of them)
The //e case is secured with "speed nuts" No need to worry about thread pitch into plastics.
Which speed nuts, you ask?
Something like the 94808A101 from mcmaster.com: https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/130/3663/94808A101 if you use machine screws.
If you use self tappers, then maybe part #94810A005
When I went on this quest I wasn't able to find any good replacement for the clip nuts in the //e case and I tried many from mcmaster-carr, and several others all the way to aliexpress. The only good match was found at maceffects expensive for nuts but an option.
Apple IIe Hardware Mounting Kit – MacEffects
For the screws I used... hmm what did I use, I need to find that list I made.
The parts I referenced from McMaster Carr are perfectly adequate for this purpose and are pretty close to the original speed clips.