[Source] Base Metal Screws

Jewelry Discussion
1

I’ve seen these in base metal. It’s a two part dingus. There’s a
slot for a screwdriver on each end. From the other end of one pice
there are male threads about 1/2 to 2/3 the length. The other piece
is female threaded to the same depth. They screw together and form a
"pin" or “dowel”. Neat for hinges -right?

I’d like them in sterling or at worse nickle silver. 1 - 2 mm in
diameter and 3-9 mm in length.

Any ideas?
Justine

2

They’re called a “Chicago screw” or “Chicago Rivet”. They are
primarily used in leather work, especially horsetack. They are made
in nickle silver, copper, brass and plated brass. I’ve never seen
them offered in sterling.

Ron Charlotte – Gainesville, FL
@Ron_Charlotte1 OR afn03234@afn.org

3 
I've seen these in base metal. It's a two part dingus. There's
a slot for a screwdriver on each end. From the other end of one
pice there are male threads about 1/2 to 2/3 the length. The other 
piece is female threaded to the same depth. They screw together and
form a "pin" or "dowel". Neat for hinges -right?

They’re called Chicago screws.

4 
It's a two part dingus. There's a slot for a screwdriver on each
end.

These are called “Chicago screws”. I’ve only seen them large, and
brass. My guess is that if you want them small and in silver, you’ll
have to buy a tap-and-die set and make your own. Once you’ve dealt
with the price if a good tiny tap and die, it should not be
difficult to make.

Noel

5

Justine those screws you are describing sound like “Chicago Screws”.
They are used to hold together lots of pages of paper like a book!
usually they are available at a office supply store! Don’t know if
they come in other than base metal, you’ll have to ask. They do come
in lots of sizes, depending on the number of pages!!

JB

6

In some locksmithing & security trade areas they also call them sex
screws- don’t know why - possibly because they are a male & female
unit? I had to chase some up for a security purpose & had one hell
of a job finding any one who actually knew what they were called in
order to order them in.

7

Justine,

What we sell at I.J.S. is not slotted for a “scroover”. The male is
vee-shaped in profile. The smooth top is soldered to a decoration,
then secured to a garment through a bound hole by a threaded hex nut.
Highway Patrol and Mariachis are fond of their garment highlights and
these are the means of attachment. Called Chicago Screws, and
available in many sizes and configurations.

Other than that, there are threaded inserts for woodworking, more
than likely too big for the purpose. Still probably a good demo for
what you want. Perhaps a watchmaker could turn out some stock for
you, too.

Dan Woodard

8

I know they come in aluminum – Doubt they’re available in silver,
though.

Margaret