Brass Scroll and Disk Screw Loosening or Removal

The screw used to hold the disk or scroll on the timer is brass and has a LEFT HAND THREAD.  This means you have to turn it clockwise to loosen it. If you turn it the other way, the screw will break off inside the main shaft, and that is a bad thing to happen.

Additionally, when loosening or tightening this screw, it is necessary for you to  hold the disk or scroll, to prevent excessive force from being placed on the internal gears. The most common result is a bent or broken tooth, that renders the timer inoperable.

WHY LOOSEN IT?
Although many flyers will never have a reason to do it, some want to set DT time to the exact second. The only way to do this is to adjust the scroll position relative the disk and DT release wire. (see instructions on setting the DT)

WHAT TO DO IF THE SCREW BREAKS
Should this happen to you, we do sell replacement screws. You will never find the correct screw for sale anywhere else. If you are really lucky, you may be able to remove the broken screw by working it out with a pin. Try looking in the hole for the busted part, and see if you can turn it a little at a time. If it moves even a little, patience will pay off and you can get it out. Sometimes we use a tiny  bit in our drill press to do it. But, you need to be very careful to not damage the threads in the steel shaft. (note, since it is a left hand thread, the drill press rotates in the correct direction to back the screw out)

If all your attempts to remove the screw fail, we may be able to do it, or ultimately, we have to replace the entire gear and shaft. We charge ten dollars to do this, including return shipping.

WHAT TO DO IF A GEAR BREAKS
There is no practical way for you to replace a gear. The timer has to come back to us. Our normal charge is ten dollars including return shipping. Trust us, we do not like to earn money doing this! It is not fun.

NO LOCTITE
Never put Loctite© on this screw!!!

DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN
It is only necessary for this screw to be snug. The action of winding the clock (counter clockwise) naturally tightens the screw.