The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

While fixing up an Edison Home Model A I’d tighten the screw on the flywheel so it would stay in the same place, but after awhile it would move and the belt would come off. On closer inspection it’s clear that the hole is stripped, since the screw looks fine and the metal bar is fine. Is there a way to repair this or will I have to buy a new part entirely?

It's a 5-40 screw. Best fix is drill out the hole and tap it for a 6-32 screw.

Or drill new hole and tap for the original 5-40 screw.


Chuck

You beat me to it Chuck. I would do either of the same two recommendations.

That’s a pulley, not a flywheel. Not enough mass to serve as a flywheel.

If you choose to drill a new hole on the other side, the original hole could be filled with JB Weld epoxy putty, if you don't want it to be so noticeable... Also, I agree with both of the above fixes, just buy the correct size drill bit and tap along with a tap handle if you don't have one... easy.

It is out of potmetal. I would drill out the old hole and go up one size

You might try filling the hole with 0000 steal wool. Pack it tight and try to get the screw to go in tight.

Re-tapping the hole should only be done by a machinist with a drill press and skills. You could mail it to Roger Merenkov in Brookfield, Illinois. He can fix anything and his shop is filled with a wide variety machine tools. Here is his contact number (708) 275-0721 business hours 10am-6pm. You can also text him. He is always busy so don't expect a quick turn around. He doesn't advertise, because he hasn't had to for years.

If there's any grip left at all when you position the pulley and tighten the set screw I'd then apply a drop of Permatex Threadlocker Green to it and let it dry. This has worked very well for me.
This is available at any auto parts store.
Bob

Mr. Ron Sitko machines new pulleys out of aluminum, so if you do not mind the appearance of shiny new parts those are excellent quality. They do not have holes in them, but they don't have any wobble in them, either.

Mr. Ron Sitko machines new pulleys out of aluminum, so if you do not mind the appearance of shiny new parts those are excellent quality. They do not have holes in them, but they don't have any wobble in them, either.

Excellent suggestion! I can think of several situations where a replica replacement part is preferable to me over original parts made from pot metal. I'd rather have an aluminum carriage reducer, good aluminum Graphophone carriage, and a lower belt pulley. My opinion...

Jerry Blais