Replacement Jaguar Case Screws?

[+cubanismo]

Anyone replaced the 4 black screws that hold the Jaguar case together? If so, what screws did you use?

 

I got a broken Jag that's missing the screws and RF shielding. I finally got around to repairing it (It was the usual: Blatantly blown U38), and I can do without the shielding, but I'd like to fasten the case back together so it doesn't fall apart every time I pick it up or grab hold of it to plug a controller in.

[+cubanismo]

Looks like I'm also missing the two screws that fasten the PCB to the bottom of the case/shell in the front as well. The two that go through the cartridge connector were there. Just wondering if someone has a link handy for replacements. If not, I'll dig some out of another Jaguar and do the usual slow walk through the misc. screw section of the hardware store.

[JagChris]

Hobby stores should have them too.

[Zerosquare]

I checked the various files I have, but couldn't find any info on the screws.

 

I think the most efficient way to find replacements would to measure the diameter, length and thread pitch of the original screws using a slide rule, then try to find out which standard size is the best match:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified_Thread_Standard

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_metric_screw_thread

[joeatari1]

Personally I would try Best.  Brad usually has these sorts of things catalogued and would sell them to you as a kit.

[neo_rg]

Atari used the same sized screws in the jaguar carts as in the console. Although they are different lengths. I'll have a look and see what I ordered from China... 

[Zerosquare]

I spent a few minutes measuring those screws. Here's what I get:

- type: self-taping screw, round head, cruciform

- head diameter: ~5.50 mm (~0.216 inch)

- head thickness: ~1.70 mm (~0.067 inch)

- major diameter: ~2.80 mm (~0.110 inch)

- thread pitch: ~1.04 mm (~24.42 tpi)

- screw length (w/o head): ~7.82 mm (0.308 inch)

 

It seems to match pretty closely size No. 4 screws (imperial), or size 2.9 screws (metric).

Edited November 23, 2021 by Zerosquare

[+grips03]

mcmaster.com is a good place to buy

 

[FlawleZ]

The Sega Dreamcast screws are the same.

[+cubanismo]

I took apart one of my Jaguars to compare with @Zerosquare's numbers:

 

 

From left-to-right: The screws securing the front of the motherboard to the case standoffs (2 of these per Jaguar), the screws securing the cartridge slot and rear of the motherboard to the case standoffs (2 of these per Jaguar), and the screws securing the bottom of the case to the top of the case (4 of these per Jaguar). As far as I can tell, the second two are identical. The first ones are the same but are 1/4" or 3/16" instead of 5/16", and obviously are zinc coated or uncoated instead of black oxide.

 

These look like an exact match for the black ones:

 

https://www.asmc.net/4-24-x-5-16-sheet-metal-screw-phillips-pan-head-type-b-low-carbon-steel-black-oxide/

 

And these are pretty close for the shiny ones:

 

https://www.asmc.net/4-24-x-3-16-sheet-metal-screw-phillips-pan-head-type-b-low-carbon-steel-zinc-plated/

 

Though I really think they're 1/4", not 3/16."

 

The only problem is, I can't find anywhere selling these in quantities of less than 5000. The local hardware store doesn't have these varieties, and Home Depot/Lowes have even fewer options. I checked mcmaster.com as suggested above, ebay, amazon, random Googling, etc. Anyone know a good fastener supplier that deals in small quantities? I need ~10 of each size max.

 

Edit: These look really close for the longer screws if you don't mind them being silver rather than black:

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/382530995355

[Zerosquare]

What about those?

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/serpac/6004/307635

 

They're also available on Mouser.

 

Edited February 3, 2022 by Zerosquare

[+cubanismo]

Yup, those look perfect for the shorter screw. I didn't know Digikey and Mouser had fasteners, but of course they do.

[neo_rg]

lol.. just noticed the price 28p a screw. The bags of screws I got from China were a bargain compared to that. 

[neo_rg]

Managed to find them. AliExpress finest. I'm sure one of them was for cartridge. 

[Zerosquare]

Those are metric M3 screws - pretty close, but not identical to imperial size #4 screws. Since there are self-taping screws, it probably won't make any difference if the plastic holes are "new". If they have been used with #4 screws before, using M3 screws may cause problems (at least on paper - maybe it works alright in practice).