Shortened hand screw for freedom top
03-30-2012, 02:03 PM
#1
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: WI
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shortened hand screw for freedom top
This mod is so simple and I don't think it's been mentioned on this site yet. For folks tired of hand screwing for an eternity to get the freedom top hard panels off, you might want to shorten the length of screw by cutting it down in size.
Use a cutoff disk like a Dremel to cut 5/8 inch off the end.
Here's a comparison with the unaltered screw.
I know that some will post that the simple answer would be to ditch the screws altogether. This is for those who want peace of mind, or need the screws for a better water seal. I use a single shortened screw on the right panel only, because the left panel latch holds that one down with the right. Now the panels come off fast and remain secure when reattached.
Other notes: I could go shorter, but cutting off 5/8 inch seemed to be the sweet spot for me. 1/2 was not enough and still involved too much hand screwing. I looked for aftermarket solutions to this problem and found none. I also read on another thread that Chrysler purposely designed the long screw so that there would be no doubt as to whether or not it was threaded in place. I figure about 6-8 rotations would be enough to thread through most nuts. Anyone worried about security with a shorter screw, then just cut off less of the screw. Lastly, you'll be cutting off the tapered section of the screw head which may make it a little harder to thread, not an issue for me though. Enjoy.
Use a cutoff disk like a Dremel to cut 5/8 inch off the end.
Here's a comparison with the unaltered screw.
I know that some will post that the simple answer would be to ditch the screws altogether. This is for those who want peace of mind, or need the screws for a better water seal. I use a single shortened screw on the right panel only, because the left panel latch holds that one down with the right. Now the panels come off fast and remain secure when reattached.
Other notes: I could go shorter, but cutting off 5/8 inch seemed to be the sweet spot for me. 1/2 was not enough and still involved too much hand screwing. I looked for aftermarket solutions to this problem and found none. I also read on another thread that Chrysler purposely designed the long screw so that there would be no doubt as to whether or not it was threaded in place. I figure about 6-8 rotations would be enough to thread through most nuts. Anyone worried about security with a shorter screw, then just cut off less of the screw. Lastly, you'll be cutting off the tapered section of the screw head which may make it a little harder to thread, not an issue for me though. Enjoy.
04-01-2012, 08:04 AM
#3
JK Newbie
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Saint Louis
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We bought our 08 JK used and don't have the hand screws for the top. Does anyone know the thread and pitch count. Id like to atleast get a couple screws to replace them.
04-02-2012, 09:50 AM
#5
JK Newbie
I never even screw these back in when I re-install my freedom top, so taking them off is easy and doesn't require this mod. So far, I haven't had any problems with the top trying to lift up, even going 90 mph on the interstate. Is there anyone who has had a problem doing this? Just wondering.
04-02-2012, 09:58 AM
#6
JK Freak
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Rockwall Texas
Posts: 878
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I never even screw these back in when I re-install my freedom top, so taking them off is easy and doesn't require this mod. So far, I haven't had any problems with the top trying to lift up, even going 90 mph on the interstate. Is there anyone who has had a problem doing this? Just wondering.
Have not had mine in for a couple of years no problems.