PC Modification For Use Without The Handle

Mister B

Mister B

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PC Modification For Use Without The Handle

Does anyone know off-hand what the thread size is on the PC 7424XP handle?

I wanted to pick up a couple bolts on my way home today, but forgot to bring the handle with me to compare sizes with.

I want to place the bolts where the handle screws in to the head of the polisher to help hold the plastic housing in place as well as keep any rattles to a minimum.

So does anyone happen to know what the thread size is?
 
Re: PC 7424XP Handle - Thread Size

I just looked up the part# for the handle on Porter Cables site and found the thread size.

Thread Size: 5/16-18

In case anyone is interested.
 
Re: PC 7424XP Handle - Thread Size

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Sorry... had that on a to-do list all day just didn't get to it...
Click to expand...

That's OK. Thanks anyway, Mike :xyxthumbs:

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
You going to purchase some stubby bolts to hold the plastic cover on instead of using Duct Tape?

:D
Click to expand...

Yep. :D

Here it is.

5\16"-18 x 1\2" long socket head cap screw and washer

HousingBolt1.JPG


Installed

HousingBolt2.JPG


HousingBolt3.JPG
 
Re: PC 7424XP Handle - Thread Size

Very nice and this will help a lot of people that like you and I... prefer to not use handles on their polishers... plus it looks better than duct tape...


Moving this thread to Hot Topics and Frequently Asked Questions


:dblthumb2:
 
Re: PC 7424XP Handle - Thread Size

Just some additional info for anyone in the future.

The old Meguiar's G100 polisher also has the same thread size. (5/16"-18)

I had been meaning to install the bolts on the plastic housing of my G100 polisher for several years now, but just never got around to it. So after installing the bolts on my new PC7424XP, I went out and bought (2) 5/16"-18 x 3/4" long hex head bolts and washers and installed them in my old G100 polisher.

So either 5/16"-18 x 1/2" long or 5/16"-18 x 3/4" long bolts will work for both polishers.
 
Just to chime in...my PC is NOT 5/16! It's M8X1.25. It is only about 6 months old. Whether or not this is now common or not is anyones quess.

Before you try and 'force' a 5/16 in there...try the M8.

Bill
 
BillE said:
Just to chime in...my PC is NOT 5/16! It's M8X1.25. It is only about 6 months old. Whether or not this is now common or not is anyones quess.

Before you try and 'force' a 5/16 in there...try the M8.

Bill
Click to expand...

You are correct. I just checked Porter Cables parts site and they now have 2 different threaded handles listed for the 7424XP that was not listed previously. It seems the newest model polishers must now be using the M8 x 1.25 threaded handle. The 5/16-18 threaded handle on Porter Cables site is listed for 7424XP polishers with date code 2009-10 and earlier.
 
Thank you for the info & making it a sticky.
I never thought of doing this on my 1st PC7424.
On the new 7424XP, I went into the motorcycle parts drawer and pulled out some M8-1.25 black AL faring screws, cut them to length. I found the 5/16" washer fit in the recess better, so I have mix and match SAE & Metric.
The 7424XP hood did not rattle around as much as the old 7424 I was using ( liberated from the shop to be used on vehicles a decade ago ). This is with very little hours on it. Could be the hood is attached better, or could be time would have turned it just the same. Either way I am covered.

Thanks again for the info !
 
My Flex came with plastic flat head screws that worked perfect for this on my PC. They were just there for shipping I suppose and were not to be used after installing the handle.
 
weird... i can't take that black cover off my pc7424xp no matter what i do - yes, i cannot take it off...
 
I'd like to find some plastic screws for my PC, that hex head just looks way too gnarly lol
 
Stang Man said:
I'd like to find some plastic screws for my PC, that hex head just looks way too gnarly lol
Click to expand...

Check out your local hardware store. I've seen nylon (black and white) screws in SAE and metric. An 'Allen' cap screw looks good as well.

Just be sure of your thread size. The PC comes in two flavors-SAE & metric.

Bill
 
I just went out to Home Depot for this screw and thought I would post more info so it would make it easy for those that might have trouble finding it. Here is a direct link to their website as well as pictures of the package for the screw. I was able to match the washer for the cap screw with those that they had in the bin....only .17 cents.

If your still having trouble finding it in the store, grab a store employee and give him the Store SKU # 574324. They should then be able to take you right to it once they punch it into their system.

The link to their website for the Cap Screw:

Crown Bolt Plain Steel M8-1.25 x 16mm Socket Cap Screws-82688 at The Home Depot

IMAG0110.jpg



IMAG0109.jpg
 
If you do not like the look ot a screw head sticking out, you could also easily use a Button Head Cap Screw, I know they sell those at Home Depot also and they have a much more rounded head than the SHCS as shown in the previous pictures. Has a much lower head and less likely to scratch or catch any surfaces. You can also get either with a nylock thread locaker which will not allow screw to vibrate out.

I hope this helps everyone.
 
Chris@Optimum said:
My Flex came with plastic flat head screws that worked perfect for this on my PC. They were just there for shipping I suppose and were not to be used after installing the handle.
Click to expand...

I also used the plasic screws that came with my FLEX 3401 VRG, they fit perfectly!!
 
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