Index bolt for older Square Deal?

#1 · December 4, 2024, 7:44 pm

I have an older Square Deal which is not indexing properly. I disassembled it, and found the index bolt to be bent. I ordered a new one (part 13461) from a local dealer. Upon arrival it turns out this new bolt has a different diameter than the one in my press.

Can the newer style bolt be used, or will I need to get hold of one of the old bolts?

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#2 · December 4, 2024, 11:33 pm

a couple of questions:

does the new bolt fit through the hole in the back of the frame?

are the threads the same on both? will it thread into the hole?

my 2¢ is they have up-graded the bolt to make it beefier to take the forces applied to it

If it fits and threads I would use it

walt

#3 · December 4, 2024, 11:36 pm

Install the new bolt, then cycle the handle at least 4 times to determine if the shellplate is rotated far enough for the detent ball to click into place. If it isn't, then email us the diameter of the smooth shank on your bent bolt and we will see if we have one. Be sure to liberally grease the smooth shank of the bolt before use.

#4 · January 25, 2025, 9:05 pm

Thank you both for your replies, and sorry for taking so long to respond.

The new bolt has the same threads, and mounts correctly. After installing it and applying a liberal amount of grease to the bolt & bottom of the index lever it still had problems indexing. Comparing it closer side by side to one of my other SqD-presses I noticed that the index lever itself seemed to be leaning slightly to one side, and had a bit more wiggle to it than the other press. Took off the index lever and spring, and put it back again and after that it seems to index properly with the new bolt in place.

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