Think I'm in a small pickle...

[Birddog1911]

Been working on making the toeplate for my SMR. It's 3 3/4" long FWIW. The pickle is, the aft most screw hole that I drilled is just under .5" from the toe. The wood is only about .3" deep right there.

I guess I could just make new holes. I was just hoping to spread them out more evenly, and use 4 screws of the same size. It also means I'd need to make a new toeplate, which I'm loathe to do. This is the 2nd already, and dimensionally correct for what I was going for.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Make a new one, better right then quick.

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

I would cuss a lot and throw something then calm down and make another one!

 

[LME]

Been working on making the toeplate for my SMR. It's 3 3/4" long FWIW. The pickle is, the aft most screw hole that I drilled is just under .5" from the toe. The wood is only about .3" deep right there.

I guess I could just make new holes. I was just hoping to spread them out more evenly, and use 4 screws of the same size. It also means I'd need to make a new toeplate, which I'm loathe to do. This is the 2nd already, and dimensionally correct for what I was going for.

Weld the hole shut, grind it smooth and drill another hole?

 

[garypl]

i would make a new toe plate - use 3 screws instead of 4.

 

[2 shots]

you could fill the hole by peening in a piece of copper wire or brass rod , would be a little highlight and save the plate

 

[Birddog1911]

you could fill the hole by peening in a piece of copper wire or brass rod , would be a little highlight and save the plate

Since I don't weld, that's probably the best idea, if I keep this plate.

 

[FishDFly]

Make a new one, better right then quick.

Sage advice.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

It also means I'd need to make a new toeplate, which I'm loathe to do. This is the 2nd already, and dimensionally correct for what I was going for.

the other option would be to spot weld the screw into the hole on the underside of the tow plate, trim it off short, and on the outside of the plate file down the head to be flush with the surface of the plate (or get a domed steel screw and do this), to act as your mistake-hole-filler. Then drill the second hole with enough stock under it. You get to keep your current toe plate.

LD

 

[oldwood]

I vote for Garypl's solution , new plate , one less screw , and further more , use smaller screws. I use # 6 screws for all inlays ,patch boxes , etc. I used to run into , the one screw hitting the other one , until i went for #6's about 1/2 " length. ........oldwood

 

[The Appalachian]

Personally I like a toe plate with just one screw. Much cleaner and eye pleasing to look at.

.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Yup, I would just make a new one. Good advice offered here for ways of saving it though.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

It's all part of the learning experience. You'll probably not make that mistake again. You'll just make others. I know of what I speak.

 

[TDM]

Been working on making the toeplate for my SMR. It's 3 3/4" long FWIW. The pickle is, the aft most screw hole that I drilled is just under .5" from the toe. The wood is only about .3" deep right there.

I guess I could just make new holes. I was just hoping to spread them out more evenly, and use 4 screws of the same size. It also means I'd need to make a new toeplate, which I'm loathe to do. This is the 2nd already, and dimensionally correct for what I was going for.

Make another toe plate, down the road you’ll be much happier, 3 screws are plenty, even 2 is. Fill the hole you drilled with some glue and move on.

With all that said, have you looked for a short, stubby wood screw that could work in the space allowed?

 

[Birddog1911]

Make another toe plate, down the road you’ll be much happier, 3 screws are plenty, even 2 is. Fill the hole you drilled with some glue and move on.

With all that said, have you looked for a short, stubby wood screw that could work in the space allowed?

I'd thought about that, but would prefer a uniform size to all of the screw heads.

 

[TDM]

Yep, there was a time in the past when you could find good slotted wood screws in all shapes and sizes. Not so easy anymore.

 

[BigAl52]

I think Id go to the fridge get a whiskey cube and pour one. Think about it a while

 

[TDM]

You and me both.

 

[Trapper Scott]

Yep, there was a time in the past when you could find good slotted wood screws in all shapes and sizes. Not so easy anymore.

Muzzle Loaders Builders Supply will sell just about any screw size you need. I have an assortment that I keep on hand. Back to your problem. I would make another toe plate and use fewer screws. Uniformity and spacing are great unless they create a problem. I just finished my SMR a few days ago and I used three screws for my toe plate. Holds great and looks fine. Good luck.

 

[LME]

Been working on making the toeplate for my SMR. It's 3 3/4" long FWIW. The pickle is, the aft most screw hole that I drilled is just under .5" from the toe. The wood is only about .3" deep right there.

I guess I could just make new holes. I was just hoping to spread them out more evenly, and use 4 screws of the same size. It also means I'd need to make a new toeplate, which I'm loathe to do. This is the 2nd already, and dimensionally correct for what I was going for.

Making a new one isn't a task for the faint of heart. It sounds easy when said but it is another matter in reality. As I stated in a previous post weld it up or have someone else do it for you if you are unable to do it. Your toeplate will look and be exactly as you meant it to be in the first place. I can guarantee if you diviate from your original idea you will see it every time you look at the rifle. It will haunt you . I know from experience.