My 6″ Starrett combo square fell off my bench the other day and landed on a concrete floor – now the scribe that fits in the back does not stay put… no friction when inserting the scribe into the collet in the back of the square. I roughed up the scribe with some sandpaper to see if that would help and it did not.
I like my scribe and I would rather not lose it – any suggestions on how to make it seat securely in the square again?
-Ian
Replies
Starrett square
Recommend calling Starrett customer service. They probably can repair the square for you and be happy doing it.
Rex
Ian,
There's a small brass spring inserted into the hole where the scribe goes.This spring tensions the scribe along its length and holds the scribe in place. With a thin hooked probe, you can pull it out and bend it back into shape. Not sure why Starrett uses brass for this because brass doesn't make a very good spring.
I didn't even know there was a spring in there - I thought it was just a machined hole. I can see the spring with my loupe but unfortunately my pick is just about the same diameter as the scribe so I need to find something thinner to pull it out. I'm not sure why Starrett uses brass either - its generally more expensive than spring steel and as you say makes a poor spring. Maybe it has something to do with tradition or not marking the surface of the scribe because its a softer metal.... regardless I'll be making a trip to the dollar store for a thinner pick.
Thanks
-Ian
I had the same problem and it was a quick fix thanks!
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