Why are points such a pain in the butt?

[Shadow_storm56]

Anyone with relatively large hands ever tried to change the points in a cub? It is an interesting ordeal and I dropped one of the screws 1250 times before getting it screwed in place. On the bright side I got it all back together and it's very happy with it's new points, condensor, rotor, distributor cap, spark plugs, spark wires and coil. I bought a new regulator on ebay but it doesn't work so if anyone knows where to get a good 6v regulator for a cub that would be legit :p. So my cubs happy now but has anyone ever had the joy of doing this and dealing with the tiny hard to get screws lol.

[Peter Person]

You can always remove the distributor from the tractor.
Can’t recall the exact procedure but it does make it easy.

[staninlowerAL]

Why? Fat fingers, poor eyesight, impatience, stiff joints, (all associated with aging). Alternative--visit a Cubfest!!!

[tst]

regulator Vr-217 part # buy a USA one, foreign ones are junk

[Shadow_storm56]

You can always remove the distributor from the tractor.
Can’t recall the exact procedure but it does make it easy.

I'm sure I could take it off but... I was worried about getting more confused haha. I got it though! After an hour just to get the new condensor in

[Shadow_storm56]

regulator Vr-217 part # buy a USA one, foreign ones are junk

Thanks I'll try and find one somewhere

[tinnerjohn]

I've found a magnetic screwdriver to be very helpful even when the distributor is vertical. John

[tst]

I also have a stubby old fashion starting screwdriver that works great, locks into the slot of the screw to get it started without dropping it

[NJ Farmer]

Blue Point tools sells a tool called a “screw starter”. It mechanically holds the screw under spring tension and also has a strong magnet on the other end. Try googling Blue Point Screw Starter you should get something....

NJ Farmer

[inairam]

I was afraid to remove it but it is the best way.

always set rotor to #1 cylinder before you remove than the timing will be close when you get it back on so it will start for final timing.

[Gary Dotson]

I always remove the dist, to do maint. on it. Engine at TDC and mark everything, roto position, housing to drive housing, etc. Those screw starters are a life saver and are sold under many brand names, just search "screw starters". If working on the dist. on the tractor, get the shortest one you can find, I think it's 2 5/8". I have several lengths but the most useful is one about 6" long.

[Fordman]

Site sponsor Brillman is who I always use for electrical items. Good company and great products

[Stanton]

I also have a stubby old fashion starting screwdriver that works great, locks into the slot of the screw to get it started without dropping it

I bought a couple in a bunch of old screwdrivers at an auction one time; never seen one before. Wondered why the tip was split. I've learned over the years to reach for these screwdrivers when starting almost any screw in a place where I don't want to drop it.

[tinnerjohn]

Blue Point tools sells a tool called a “screw starter”. It mechanically holds the screw under spring tension and also has a strong magnet on the other end. Try googling Blue Point Screw Starter you should get something....

NJ Farmer

So thats where the one I had went! I remembered the tool but not where I got it. I'll have to flag down a Snap-On truck. Thanks for the info. John

[outdoors4evr]

Just take a good fitting steel screwdriver (sized right for the screw head) and stroke a magnet down the screwdriver 10-12 times. This will magnetize the screwdriver enough to hold the screw onto the head.

Alternative: My wife bought me these "as seen on TV" magnet driver that you slide over your screwdriver or screw gun bit. These work very well on both the screw gun and on the plain screwdriver.