Limework Column & Drop

I recently purchased an 1 1/2" dia column from Limeworks and one of their 4" -'32 drops to fit the column. I went with unfinished column with plans to paint. This ****er is tight. I can tap the drop on with a rubber hammer but it's way to tight to install once I get it all painted (scratch the paint). Everyone that has gone this route how did yours fit? Is there a trick I am missing to slide this on the column easier without jacking the paint up?

Thanks
Jim

 

isn't there a set screw on the bottom to clamp it tight?

 

Man,I hope it ain't that simple or he's gonna be doing this. HRP

 

Can you not ream the hole in the drop out a bit by some means?

 

Insert the clamp bolt from the threaded side and put a small washer in the split to keep the bolt from going into the non-threaded hole. Gently tighten until the clamp opens up enough to slide on the column. Worked on mine that I got from them. Dennis D

 

I wish it was that easy.

 

I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the tip.

Jim

 

so there is a clamp screw on the bottom then? the one i used did

 

I used a screw driver to spread the clamping end and put a coin in the keep the spread. Worked for me...........let the flaming begin

 

I ran the screw against a putty s****er and worked like a charm. Thanks for the help guys. Sometimes it's best to take a step back and there's a solution. I knew you guys would have a fix.

Jim

 

I just found this old link, we now make the column drop a little larger so it slips up the column better , I'm back on quality control with a local machine shop in Whittier.
Thanks for buying & being patient with our parts

Cheers