I've installed a Nokia CR-39 mobile phone holder to a Brodit clip in my Octavia mark II. The problem is that the screws that come with the Nokia CR-39 are quite long and stick out of the back, practically touching the dash board.

What would you recommend I do: 1) Cut the screws so they're shorter - if so what's the best way to do this? 2) Buy four new shorter screws - if so, where should I get a screw from as I only need four?

This might seem like a stupid question and it probably is but I am stupid. Oh and before you start, no responses along the line of "go down Soho, you should get a screw there..."

Just grind them off?

Here.....

Damn, it's so tough not to be really rude here....

Damn, it's so tough not to be really rude here....

I know how you feel Jason. Well, I dont, because Ive never felt you up. Not that I want to of course. Im not saying your a minger or anything tho, Im sure there are lots of men out there gagging to feel you up, its just that Im not that way inclined mate. :P

what kind of screws are they??

On a serious note, I get screws for my RC stuff and work from my local fastners place - 100% free as Im not getting in bulk, just going back and forth a few times lol

Im not saying your a minger or anything tho

i am

and if you want a screw i'm ross can help you out

I found something that I think may be suitable from a local hardware store. The screws I originally had are on the left but the replacement screws I bought are on the right.

When I get home tonight I'll find out if they'll do the job and fit my mobile phone holder properly.

Thanks for your help and comments.

I found something that I think may be suitable from a local hardware store. The screws I originally had are on the left but the replacement screws I bought are on the right.

When I get home tonight I'll find out if they'll do the job and fit my mobile phone holder properly.

Thanks for your help and comments.

Hi. I don't know the rig you are looking at, but the new screws look very short.

My thoughts are: If the screws you have aren't actually touching the "back", then why is it a problem? The new screws look very short by comparison with your others; are they self-tapping? You can saw the end off screws with a junior hacksaw, though will need to hold the screw in an adjustable spanner (one that screw turns to size the jaws), or, if you can't get the correct threading, you can buy very thin nuts and bolts (i.e. avoiding threading match), though they might be too long and need to be sawn down.

So anyway, good luck, and if your new screws work, Good Ho, and if they don't, there's still hope

Mo

Thanks Heresmo. The original screws were touching the dashboard at the bottom of the fitting plate. I had to put some padding on the screw ends but even that was pierced and almost damaged the dashboard. Even at the top the screws stuck out and looked unsightly.

The new screws turned out to be an ideal (half) size as they secured the fitting plate to the mobile phone holder and only stick out a couple of milimetres at the back. This is ideal.

I can take a photograph of it if you'd like to see how it looks.

Thanks Heresmo. The original screws were touching the dashboard at the bottom of the fitting plate. I had to put some padding on the screw ends but even that was pierced and almost damaged the dashboard. Even at the top the screws stuck out and looked unsightly.

The new screws turned out to be an ideal (half) size as they secured the fitting plate to the mobile phone holder and only stick out a couple of milimetres at the back. This is ideal.

I can take a photograph of it if you'd like to see how it looks.

Glad you've got it sorted I think you should take a photo of it anyway as a reminder that it's one more thing you've managed to cross off your "to do" list

Mo

I am so surprised this thread has still not descended into total anarchy given the thread title....

I am so surprised this thread has still not descended into total anarchy given the thread title....

I was hoping it might but you guys are just too well behaved. :P

Perhaps you can offer some alternative suggestions now that I've had not one but four screws even if they were only small ones!

Those new ones you have are wood screws - not really ideal. The originals are self-tappers - look like either No 6 or No 8. Just go to Halfords or B&Q and browse through the little packets. Get the same diameter as the existing ones and they'll fit just fine.

The idea with self-tappers is they fit a particular sized hole in sheet metal, so they are a constant diameter after the initial start. The wood screws are tapered all the way up so will screw in a short way and then jam solid.

Four small screws, were they expensive. I hear you can get better quality screws if you re willing to pay more for them.

No, they cost me 32p for all four. I paid all at once but screwed them one at a time.

Here are some pictures of the back of the mobile phone holder, the Brodit clip, screws and how it looks below the air vents where I've fit it. Unfortunately I didn't put a phone in as I was using my Nokia N95 to take the pictures.

No, they cost me 32p for all four. I paid all at once but screwed them one at a time.

Here are some pictures of the back of the mobile phone holder, the Brodit clip, screws and how it looks below the air vents where I've fit it. Unfortunately I didn't put a phone in as I was using my Nokia N95 to take the pictures.

Would have been far more entertaining to try and screw all four at once, you would have been spoilt for choice.

Those new ones you have are wood screws - not really ideal. The originals are self-tappers - look like either No 6 or No 8. Just go to Halfords or B&Q and browse through the little packets. Get the same diameter as the existing ones and they'll fit just fine.

Thanks for your expetise ncarring. I'm no expert with screws - I know what fits and what looks good - but I went to a dedicated hardware store and they seemed to know what they were talking about.

They initially showed me some wood screws but then gave me these black shorter screws which have done a great job and are very secure. I don't think I'll be tampering with it too much so even if they are the wrong screws, they seem to accomplish what I wanted.

I am so surprised this thread has still not descended into total anarchy given the thread title....

You're right - I was about to put "By calling 07770 0101... according to the bus stop near me" but now I feel like I'd be letting everyone down if I did...

Two answers to this one: First is sensible and second is anarchy one!

1. RS Components - The UK's leading industrial supplier to business, Free delivery, Free technical information - any screw you want

2. Ask Mr G in yorkshire - he has the T shirt with the answer on!!