Reply To: Problems with a Stanley no4
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To be honest I don’t even think that is a Stanley but just a bad copy.
The lever Cap should have the Stanley writing polished with red background. The Adjuster wheel normally Brass, like mentioned above the yoke should be solid.
Unless Stanley has cut even more corners in the last year or two. Which would not surprise Me at all.
Later Records have pressed steel yoke I have a Record no. 07 and 05 1/2 which must be at least 25 years old and have pressed steel yokes. I also have older Records 4’s and 5’s which have solid yokes probably 50 years old.
I have a Stanley No.3 which is quite newish at 3 years old and it has solid yoke brass wheel adjuster and polished writing on lever cap. The only difference is the lateral adjuster is one piece with the tab bent over each side. Not like other models I have where the tab put in the end that you push with your finger.
You may be able to test to see if you have a Record frog look for any signs of blue paint scratch a bit of the black paint off see what is underneath.
You could buy a solid yoke and replace the press steel yoke and muck about with the frog position. See if it will fix problem.
I know this harsh but I would look for an old Stanley or Record no. 4 with wooden handles about 40 + years old there are loads to be had on ebay even a boot sale. You may be lucky and get one for £5 but I would not want to pay more than £45.
Just my penny’s worth.