It looks like I'll be able to obtain a new side strut. To my amazement Keysight seem to have it available as a spare part!
https://www.keysight.com/my/fapHomePage Find A Part
https://www.keysight.com/my/partDetail/5021-5838I'm first going to try buying one from them, to see how it goes. If they can actually supply (some) standard structural parts for old HP gear that would be great.
In the thread over at groups.io [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] WTB: HP diecast side strut PN 5021-5838
the issue of the screws came up too. Here's a pic:
![](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/hewlett-packard-by-salvador-dali/?action=dlattach;attach=1325936;image)
The rounded-lip ones are the HP originals, the longer screw is a commercial standard M4 countersunk head
(but too long.)
The strut securing screws on mine are stainless M4, with a posidrive countersunk head.
Only slightly unusual in that the CSK head has rounded edges rather than the usual CSK
head which is wider. But normal CSK screws fit perfectly well. I don't know why the HP
ones have that rounded lip. Maybe so if something brute-force pulls the head through the
diecast, then there will still be enough of the frame metal around the hole so that a
standard CSK screw will hold? Or is it something to do with absorbing impact energy via
partial destruction, like vehicle frame crumple zones?
One thing to beware is that HP changed from imperial to metric at some point, and some
machines have a mix of the two. It's a good idea to have sample screws of both types,
to carefully feel out holes to determine the correct thread. Screwing the wrong one into
diecast threaded holes will wreck the thread.
If your frame used imperial threads, those strut screws will be UNC #8.
Some potential suppliers (Sydney, Oz and online):
Industrial Fasteners 67 Barry Ave Mortdale. (right at end of street) ph 9534 6844
http://www.hitechfasteners.com.au/distributor/industrial-fasteners-pty-ltd-industThe Stainless Shop. 170 Taren Point Road Taren Point. NSW 2229 ph: (02) 9525 1777
https://www.thestainlessshop.com.auhttp://www.smallparts.com.au/PO Box 2161, MANSFIELD, Queensland 4122
3239 Old Cleveland Road, Capalaba West (Brisbane Southside), Queensland 4157
https://www.aliexpress.com "stainless countersunk M4 screws EG:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002205917013.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.323c4c4drgWRX5 M4 8mm (the HP ones are 7mm long, but 8mm will do.)
100 for AU$15.62 incl delivery. Bought! But will take 4 weeks.