Orvis "Zinger" screw

[ChuckofWagon]

https://www.orvis.com/product/black-nickel-zinger/8P41.html

I have several of these retractable lanyards by Orvis. They call them Zingers. The one's I have are green, and are held together with a very tiny screw. I think the screw size is a 3-56 or maybe 5-56. I only know that as I have a box of assorted screws, and the smallest does fit the threads....but the screw I have isn't long enough to work.

So.....does anyone know where I could get a replacement screw? These little gizmos are great....but at $15+ per unit I hate to toss it for just needing a little screw....and should I find the screw....loctite.

Anyone know?

Thanks.

 

[Bamboozle]

I have some similar Orvis zingers and they use a 4-48 x 3/16" pan head Phillips screw...

If yours is the same size, that will be a tough screw to find anywhere except on the Internet, (FWIW there are a bunch for sale on eBay but you'll have to buy 50 - 100.

The first step is to positively identify the screw size and length. SOME hardware stores sell machine screws that size (call first & ask) where if nothing else, you can identify the size you need.

When you get the right screw, Loctite is the way to go.

BTW - If you give up in disgust, take a look at Gear Keeper Zingers. I've used a zinger of some type for decades and the Gear Keeper beats them all, they are cheaper and they mount in a bunch of different ways.

Good luck!!

 

[falcon]

My Orvis zinger broke also. They are not very durable. I have a few cheap broken reels fly and spinning. I keep them to salvage small screws.

 

[Trapshooter]

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Phillips-Machine-Screws-Stainless-Thread/dp/B01HQ6UQVS/ref=sr_1_5?crid=14Z6CD09NYMNR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FojHH2m_iufNravgvKooWdwaPCFjgyKTKpigFFVEf-3dCnvylwcZEo-3Zu7T-RbkaUEvjH7L3CkQRiMSfe6da_r0ySnuUIfMO6m8LZnDfj8pjdTsctWJFgUF-qY3cFyUYqiNeQVKpr5P4Dn5Jt7-3rNxZLgIbkvEs8RkIf58Jd1FBTppxjKVAWWuFXPxpaAf0euOo-J3QP0El9o5CgjAIjNtt9lLupJyUA2j0Hy-P2A.GmBO1GMBH4WyPr4CksYYMktPtPzySBpzxR84e61YgCo&dib_tag=se&keywords=4-48%2Bx%2B3%2F16%22%2Bpan%2Bhead%2BPhillips%2Bscrew&qid=1745592555&sprefix=4-48%2Bx%2B3%2F16%2Bpan%2Bhead%2Bphillips%2Bscrew%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-5&th=1

 

[Bamboozle]

I been using a a zinger since they looked like this:



On this first generation Orvis zinger, the pin was permanently affixed to the back of the zinger so there was no screw holding things together but pin-on zingers suck and so do the ones with clips...

Years later Orvis sold a square plastic zinger that had a pointed screw post that went completely through the zinger. You then pushed that post though your vest/pack/bag and secured it with a supplied nut.

They NEVER fell off as long as you used a little Loctite, but the screw post utilized a long nut that got in the way so I substituted a 0-80 machine screw & hex nut for the screw post & nut.

However, the Gear Keeper Super Zingers goes that 10 times better with a screw post that goes onto the back of the zinger plus several other mounting options.

For about $10 more, they make an aluminum version that has a warranty and can be rebuilt.

A long time ago, I bought several of the Abel zingers when they were a fraction of the price they last sold for before they were discontinued. I had one rebuilt after I burned through the cord with a cigar. 🙄 That made me realize the value of the "rebuilding service."

IF I needed a new zinger, I wouldn't consider anything else but the Gear Keeper Aluminum RT5 Micro Retractor.

 

[td566]

I been using a a zinger since they looked like this:

View attachment 1641241738

On this first generation Orvis zinger, the pin was permanently affixed to the back of the zinger so there was no screw holding things together but pin-on zingers suck and so do the ones with clips...

Years later Orvis sold a square plastic zinger that had a pointed screw post that went completely through the zinger. You then pushed that post though your vest/pack/bag and secured it with a supplied nut.

They NEVER fell off as long as you used a little Loctite, but the screw post utilized a long nut that got in the way so I substituted a 0-80 machine screw & hex nut for the screw post & nut.

However, the Gear Keeper Super Zingers goes that 10 times better with a screw post that goes onto the back of the zinger plus several other mounting options.

For about $10 more, they make an aluminum version that has a warranty and can be rebuilt.

A long time ago, I bought several of the Abel zingers when they were a fraction of the price they last sold for before they were discontinued. I had one rebuilt after I burned through the cord with a cigar. 🙄 That made me realize the value of the "rebuilding service."

IF I needed a new zinger, I wouldn't consider anything else but the Gear Keeper Aluminum RT5 Micro Retractor.

My Mom and Dad bought me one of those when they toured the Orvis Center in Vermont back in the ‘70s. Worked for many years and then the pin lock broke. I kept clippers and a hook file on it.

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

You can try a mom & pop hardware store or pick up an eyeglass repair kit at the pharmacy to see if any of those screws will fit.

 

[Bamboozle]

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Phillips-Machine-Screws-Stainless-Thread/dp/B01HQ6UQVS/ref=sr_1_5?crid=14Z6CD09NYMNR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FojHH2m_iufNravgvKooWdwaPCFjgyKTKpigFFVEf-3dCnvylwcZEo-3Zu7T-RbkaUEvjH7L3CkQRiMSfe6da_r0ySnuUIfMO6m8LZnDfj8pjdTsctWJFgUF-qY3cFyUYqiNeQVKpr5P4Dn5Jt7-3rNxZLgIbkvEs8RkIf58Jd1FBTppxjKVAWWuFXPxpaAf0euOo-J3QP0El9o5CgjAIjNtt9lLupJyUA2j0Hy-P2A.GmBO1GMBH4WyPr4CksYYMktPtPzySBpzxR84e61YgCo&dib_tag=se&keywords=4-48%2Bx%2B3%2F16%22%2Bpan%2Bhead%2BPhillips%2Bscrew&qid=1745592555&sprefix=4-48%2Bx%2B3%2F16%2Bpan%2Bhead%2Bphillips%2Bscrew%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-5&th=1

Except it is probably a 4-48, not a 4-40...

 

[wildtrout2]

I'm using a small spring clamp instead of a zinger for my net. It attaches to my wading belt. It's easy off/on and very secure. I believe it'll last a long time, since I don't net every trout.

 

[ChuckofWagon]

I been using a a zinger since they looked like this:

View attachment 1641241738

On this first generation Orvis zinger, the pin was permanently affixed to the back of the zinger so there was no screw holding things together but pin-on zingers suck and so do the ones with clips...

Years later Orvis sold a square plastic zinger that had a pointed screw post that went completely through the zinger. You then pushed that post though your vest/pack/bag and secured it with a supplied nut.

They NEVER fell off as long as you used a little Loctite, but the screw post utilized a long nut that got in the way so I substituted a 0-80 machine screw & hex nut for the screw post & nut.

However, the Gear Keeper Super Zingers goes that 10 times better with a screw post that goes onto the back of the zinger plus several other mounting options.

For about $10 more, they make an aluminum version that has a warranty and can be rebuilt.

A long time ago, I bought several of the Abel zingers when they were a fraction of the price they last sold for before they were discontinued. I had one rebuilt after I burned through the cord with a cigar. 🙄 That made me realize the value of the "rebuilding service."

IF I needed a new zinger, I wouldn't consider anything else but the Gear Keeper Aluminum RT5 Micro Retractor.

I have (still) a good working Orvis first generation as you have in the picture. It's still works great.

These Orvis with the screw are green in color. I probably could drill completely through it and go with a bolt\nut\loctite setup, but I'd rather just use a screw that fits.

I have one of those Gear Keeper's in plastic. I use if for my rangefinder. It has held up well, but it's much bigger than the Orivs type. That's the only drawback that I have with it.

 

[Bamboozle]

The Gear Keeper I sent you a link to is very small, not a whole lot bigger than a round zinger, maybe 1" x 1-1/4".

 

[gfenlikestolosepasswords]

Those are pretty fancy. I just use the crappy ones you get from IT companies with their logos on the front that you get for free nearly everywhere.

When the little spring stops springing, off to the trash and onto the next one.

Granted, I don't look like a super cool fisherman with them but thankfully no one's stopped me and told me to go home, yet.

 

[dudemanspecial]

Those are pretty fancy. I just use the crappy ones you get from IT companies with their logos on the front that you get for free nearly everywhere.

When the little spring stops springing, off to the trash and onto the next one.

Granted, I don't look like a super cool fisherman with them but thankfully no one's stopped me and told me to go home, yet.

I might ask you to remove the viruses from my laptop if I saw you wearing such accessories on the river.

 

[gfenlikestolosepasswords]

Call your vendor.

 

[CRB]

I use the barrel slinky retractor that simms used to have it has lasted almost 20 years.
They are on close out for less than $8

Past Season's Fishing Tool Retractor | Simms Fishing | Simms Fishing

SIMMS Retractor - New and improved, dig less, fish more, and keep imperative tools nearby.

www.simmsfishing.com

If I were to get another it would be a fishpond.

360 Swivel Retractor - Fly Fishing

The Fishpond Swivel Retractor is designed to be foolproof. Fly-fishing is a game of fooling, and the Fishpond 360 Degree Swivel Retractor is designed to be fool-proof. Once pinned to your vest or pack, it can rotate 360 degrees, thereby keeping what's attached accessible and untangled. No cord...

fishpondusa.com

The plastic slinky spring is almost unbreakable the zingers never last more than a season spring rusts or the wire frays I use one at work for my ID badge/key every 4-6 months off to inventory to get another one.

 

[Bamboozle]

These Orvis with the screw are green in color. I probably could drill completely through it and go with a bolt\nut\loctite setup, but I'd rather just use a screw that fits.

I'd caution you on trying that unless you are positive there is nothing in the way of clearing a hole through the cord spool.

As someone who has taken apart more than a few zingers over the years, including one like that original metal Orvis job pictured above, you can ruin most of them trying to drill a hole completely through.