Post by bulldog on Nov 8, 2005 13:55:39 GMT -5
Even before I'd received my Flatline I went shopping for quick-release screws for it. Being too lazy to go hunt up one 1/4"-20 x 1" (for the Cyclone) and two 10-32 x 3/4" (for the receiver) thumb screws at the hardware store or an online bulk seller like McMaster , I found myself limited to two sets of screws packaged specifically for the A-5 Flatline.
The “Media Mechanix” set, sold at COPS911 and elsewhere, has stainless screws with strong but lightweight nylon knobs and brass bushings to properly space them out and prevent wear.
The “Machine Head” set, which I’ve only seen on ebay has T6 6061 aluminum knobs with alloy steel threads.
The prices were within a couple dollars of each other. Being a fan of stainless steel and reduced weight, I bought the Media Mechanix set (first). They were pretty slick, and added no noticeable heft, but I couldn't seem to get them to torque down tight enough to lock the Flatline in, so it was always rotating out of alignment. I’ve heard some others complain of the same problem – I think it has a lot to do with variations in the casting of the barrel adapters, as the Media Mechanix screws held my stock barrel adapter perfectly tight.
Pros: Lightweight, stainless steel won’t rust, brass bushings prevent wear, sold by forum sponsor COPS911.
Cons: Harder to tighten, brass bushings like to fall off and hide when you remove the bolts.
Here they are on my marker. Note the still-missing lower screw. Click on the images for really huge ones that demonstrate how badly I need a new camera.
After the Michigan Monster Game I threw my A5 in my undersized marker case for the ride home, and when I pulled it out to do the gas-thru stock a couple weeks later, I discovered that one of the thumbscrews was MIA. Doh. Looks like I need to spend the $$ on a COPS911 “Full-Size” Tippmann case so I can actually zip the thing in.
Since I hadn’t been pleased with how tight they went, I decided to try out the Machine Head kit. I figured if they didn’t go any tighter I could mill a slot in the aluminum knobs with my Dremmel tool and use a quarter to get more torque while avoiding a “No Tools on the Field” violation.
I was, however, pleasantly surprised to find that the Machine Head screws clamped even my slippery Flatline adapter tight. This is because the knobs all have a broader gripping surface, the one for the Cyclone is wider in diameter, and the one for the upper receiver is 5/16" longer so the Flatline doesn’t prevent you from getting a good grip on it.
Pros: Plenty of gripping surface for a tight fit, hardcore appearance, no bushings to loose.
Cons: Heavier, non-stainless threads.
Summary: With my loose barrel adapter, the big-knobbed Machine Head set is the only way to go. If your Flatline fits better, the nylon Media Mechanix give you lighter weight and a lower profile.
The “Media Mechanix” set, sold at COPS911 and elsewhere, has stainless screws with strong but lightweight nylon knobs and brass bushings to properly space them out and prevent wear.
The “Machine Head” set, which I’ve only seen on ebay has T6 6061 aluminum knobs with alloy steel threads.
The prices were within a couple dollars of each other. Being a fan of stainless steel and reduced weight, I bought the Media Mechanix set (first). They were pretty slick, and added no noticeable heft, but I couldn't seem to get them to torque down tight enough to lock the Flatline in, so it was always rotating out of alignment. I’ve heard some others complain of the same problem – I think it has a lot to do with variations in the casting of the barrel adapters, as the Media Mechanix screws held my stock barrel adapter perfectly tight.
Pros: Lightweight, stainless steel won’t rust, brass bushings prevent wear, sold by forum sponsor COPS911.
Cons: Harder to tighten, brass bushings like to fall off and hide when you remove the bolts.
Here they are on my marker. Note the still-missing lower screw. Click on the images for really huge ones that demonstrate how badly I need a new camera.
After the Michigan Monster Game I threw my A5 in my undersized marker case for the ride home, and when I pulled it out to do the gas-thru stock a couple weeks later, I discovered that one of the thumbscrews was MIA. Doh. Looks like I need to spend the $$ on a COPS911 “Full-Size” Tippmann case so I can actually zip the thing in.
Since I hadn’t been pleased with how tight they went, I decided to try out the Machine Head kit. I figured if they didn’t go any tighter I could mill a slot in the aluminum knobs with my Dremmel tool and use a quarter to get more torque while avoiding a “No Tools on the Field” violation.
I was, however, pleasantly surprised to find that the Machine Head screws clamped even my slippery Flatline adapter tight. This is because the knobs all have a broader gripping surface, the one for the Cyclone is wider in diameter, and the one for the upper receiver is 5/16" longer so the Flatline doesn’t prevent you from getting a good grip on it.
Pros: Plenty of gripping surface for a tight fit, hardcore appearance, no bushings to loose.
Cons: Heavier, non-stainless threads.
Summary: With my loose barrel adapter, the big-knobbed Machine Head set is the only way to go. If your Flatline fits better, the nylon Media Mechanix give you lighter weight and a lower profile.
