[Jim Sims]

Screws are easily shortened using the double nut method outlined by Grady to hold onto the threads. I set the outer most nut suface to make a cutting plane guide for the hacksaw or cut off wheel. After the cut, I back up the nuts to grind or file the tip chamfer to re-establish the thread start at the tip. Finally, I wrench off the nuts which provides a chasing action to the thread tip.

A further data point on the Schnorr washers in service: This weekend I've been inspecting and bleeding the brakes on my '76 911 and used the opportunity to check the CV joints (Six 8mm screw 100mm size with Schnorr washers and no "moon" plates). 20,000 miles ago the joints were cleaned, re-greased and re-installed with new Schnorr S-8 lock washers and one new screw out of the 24 (it's wrenching feature was bad). Inspection found all the screws in place and tight; car use has been daily commuting (~55mph speeds) to work six months out of the year, long distance trip cruising (800 to 3000 mile round trips), with an occasional high speed run thrown in.

Cheers, Jim