Expert: Skip Bollinger - 1/14/2009

Question
I have a 96 buick century and I need to replace a screw on the windshield wipers but no one can tell me the size of the screw I was wondering if you might know.

Answer
Ariel,
  There are NO parts stores that can help you unless they see a "sample". The part is NOT LISTED IN ANY CATALOG. I'm not "yelling", I'm just trying to be emphatic.
  Have you tried General Motors? The part can't be that expensive. A junk yard might be a thought.
  I'm positive the screw will be "machine thread" which means it isn't 1/4" X 20 threads per inch or anything like that. It is a special screw. It will have a Society of Automotive Engineers designation as a 6 or 8 or 10, depending on the size.
  A company called Anco makes a couple of kits that may help you. Where, in your wiper system, does this screw go? Anco shows a kit that attaches the "drum" to the "wiper linkage" that is a number 10. In looking at the catalog and noting the year of your car, it may be Metric. Like I said, this part is NOT cataloged. The Anco catalog just shows universal kits with part numbers and dimensions. It does not list the kits by application. Your mechanic has to tell us what size is needed or we need a sample off the other side to match.
  The bottom line is: Specifically where does it go? Is it the set screw that holds the drum to the linkage? AND can you supply a sample to a Parts Store?
  Ariel, any Parts Store should be able to help you IF you can find a Counterman that is willing to come out from behind the counter to help you. IF you get a guy / girl that was fired from McDonalds and working in a Parts Store, just ask for the Manager to help you.    
  IF you need any more help, just ask. I'll do all I can to help you but if you contact me again, I'll need to know EXACTLY where this screw goes.
  I hope this helps and STAY WARM!!!!
Skip..