Replies

1. 
   Ricky_Yu | Jun 24, 2004 11:34am | #1

   Try http://www.mcfeelys.com for unplated steel screws. They mostly concentrate on square drive screws, though, so other types of drive may not be as readily available.

1. 
   MichaelPB | Jun 24, 2004 03:06pm | #2

   Ricky,

   Thanks for the link but as you thought, their stuff is mainly square drive.  I need flat head screws, likely No 6 about 1/4 long.

1. 
   efarmer4 | Jun 24, 2004 06:59pm | #3

   How many do you need? For a few what about etching off the plating with acid?  If it is a large amount I'd think you'll have to find a maker and get them right before the plating step.Edward

2. 
   JohnWW | Jun 25, 2004 01:17am | #5

   Michael,

   #6 screws 1/4 inch long?   I'll guess you mean 1 1/4 inch. 

   Most plating is incredibly thin on ordinary hardware store screws, you could easily remove the plating off the head of a plated screw in a few seconds against a wire wheel mounted on a bench grinder or with a quick rub against a piece of fine sandpaper.  I'm curious why you need unplated screws are you trying to match something?

   John W.

1. 
   MichaelPB | Jun 26, 2004 06:24am | #6

   The screws are for a series of gunstocks I am making. They are reproductions of a stock for a WWII submachinegun. I have all the hardware except the screws and two tiny nails. Some will be blued like a gun and others will be Parkerized, a phosphate finish which is grey.

   Plating shows up if there is even the tiniest remaining amount. If I cant find them, I will recut the screw slots to ensure no plating remains but I would still love to find a source for unplates screws as I often need them and can't always find originals.

   Thanks for the sources, I will check them out.

   Michael

1. 
   mitch | Jun 26, 2004 03:06pm | #7

   try Brownells gunsmith supply of Montezuma. Iowa.  i think their website is http://www.brownells.com

   m

2. 
   BPatch1 | Jun 26, 2004 05:01pm | #8

   Hi Mitch

   Plating on commonly available screws can be disolved with fresh household vinegar.  Place the screws in a screw top jar filled with vinegar, wait overnight or maybe 12 hours.  Rinse with water to remove traces of the vinegar.  I use this method all the time to produce screws which are appropiate for antique furniture restoration.  

   Brad Patch  

3. 
   mitch | Jun 26, 2004 11:00pm | #9

   try reposting to michael to make sure he sees it.  i'm not the one looking for unplated screws.

   m

4. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 27, 2004 07:06pm | #11

   Brad,

   Once the plating has been removed, do you generally have to coat the screw with something (assuming it will be visible), so its color will be compatible with the antique?

5. 
   BPatch1 | Jun 28, 2004 02:48am | #12

   Once the screws are removed from the vinegar and water rinsed, they begin to form surface rust just from the humidity in the air.  Once they reach the desired patina they can be coated with paste wax to stop further coloring.     

6. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 28, 2004 05:39am | #13

   Thanks...... great tip.

   EDIT: does the vinegar trick work to make new brass screws look like old brass screws?

   Edited 6/27/2004 10:41 pm ET by nikkiwood

7. 
   BPatch1 | Jun 28, 2004 05:02pm | #14

   I don't think that vinegar will do anything to brass.  However industrial strength ammonia (can be obtained from Home Depot) fumes will.  Pour some ammonia into a glass jar. and suspend the hardware above the liquid and seal the jar, the fumes do the trick.  The longer you leave the brass in the jar the darker they become.  This method maybe difficult for screws but it works great for hinges.  Be aware that most brass hardware has been coated with laquer to prevent tarnishing.  This must be removed in order that the ammonia can do its thing.

8. 
   SawdustSteve | Jun 27, 2004 01:15am | #10

   Michael... I just went digging in my collection of hardware. I've got 12 pieces of 1/2" x 6 flat head wood screws (slightly rusty). If that's all you need, I will gladly mail them to you.

   SawdustSteve

9. 
   MichaelPB | Jul 02, 2004 02:26am | #15

   Thanks all for the suggestions, can't believe I forgot about Brownells as I buy from them all the time!

   Anyway, problem solved, I order the last of their screw kits that has a large selection of unplated screws.

   Steve, thanks for the offer of mailing the screws, very generous of you!

   Michael

2. 
   DavidxDoud | Jun 24, 2004 09:04pm | #4

   I buy common screws,  put them in a tin can,  and put the can in the wood stove fire - (I'd probably built a little camp fire this time of year) - - that'll burn the plating right off...

   "there's enough for everyone"