Shorten Carter Legs- Thread Pitch?

[Paul Hutzler]

Carter S10. The guy at the hardware store couldn't figure out the thread pitch. I want to cut 2 legs shorter and rethread the threads on the collar. This would be the lower threads on the leg nearer the feet... Any Carter experts know the thread pitch on the collar?

[Jerry Overstreet]

If you mean the threads at the knurled adjustment collar, those are 7/8-27 fine on most older mic stand type steel legs. I would expect the Carter legs are the same and standard to the industry.....BUT, I have run into another size out there that's metric, so I can't be sure if Carter legs are SAE or Metric.

Most people work on the other end as threading thin chrome plated tubing can be a problem.

What most people do to shorten the leg is use a piece of re-bar, all thread, dowel or whatever long enough to shove inside the leg and use a hammer to knock out the threaded plug that screws into the end plate.

Then you can cut that end of the tube off to size and re-install the plug. That's a lot easier and more forgiving than trying to thread the other end.

There are a few posts/threads for instructions on doing it this way. I don't have the time right now to hunt 'em up for you, but you can find some of them with a search on shortening legs or such.

[Paul Hutzler]

Thanks! Some time after I posted this, local Seattle pedal steel tech, Patrick, educated me on the technique you just described and shortened the legs for me.

[Bobby D. Jones]

I 2nd Mr. Overstreet's suggestions above.

I Suggest, DO NOT use a tubing cutter on light steel tubing, It will crimp the end of the tubing, It will take work to remove the crimp and bevel the inside of the tubing.

If you know a machinist or have access to a lathe. Have the legs cut to length on a lathe, And slight bevel inside.

If they have to be hand cut. Wrap paper around tubing and mark a true square line, Cut with hacksaw, File square to line and bevel inside with file. So insert can be pressed or drove in true and square.
Good Luck on project, Happy Steelin.

[Jerry Overstreet]

All good then Paul. Glad you're all sorted out.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Glad you got your problem worked out.
Happy Steelin.