In article ,
Ignoramus8009 wrote:

On 2010-03-08, Joseph Gwinn wrote:
Right. One has to wait for the leadscrew to turn to the correct angle for
the nut to engage. One way to do this is to watch the threading dial and
operate the lever only when the dial says it's time. After a little practice
this become a fluid motion.

The issue is that if I apply any significant force on the half nut
lever, the pin would bend. I just spoke to Clausing, they no longer
have those pins, but can supply drawings for $5. Since replacing them
is such a pain, I should be careful with the one I have now.

To stay safe, I may change the handle on the half nut lever, to
something very tiny that would be very difficult to force. Maybe a 1
inch long handle made of a socket head cap screw. That would be harder
to accidentally force enough to bend the internal pin. It will not
look as great, but it will keep me safe, and I will of course save the
old handle.

I would leave it alone. The guy that bent the pin was a gorilla - more muscle
than brain.

You will find that it is not at all hard to get the half-nut engaged without
forcing anything. You make the move just before the correct line on the
threading dial goes by. Any you don't force it -- you do it by feel.

Joe Gwinn