-I'm part way through restoring a Qualters & Smith QSH-6 hacksaw which I bought at auction a while ago. A couple of questions:

1. I have removed the Bow from the Bowslide and filled the Oil reservoir with oil, but the oil is not getting through to the Bow runners. I have temporarily removed the two felt pads in the Bowslide through which the oil is supposed to seep down. This exposes a small cylindrical chamber, in which each pad sits, with a small cylindrical hole leading backwards out of the top which looks as though it ought to feed direct to the reservoir. However, poking a length of wire into the hole does not get far, either because the hole has a bend or is blocked. Blowing into the top of the reservoir filler plug hole, the air seems to be getting out somewhere, but the oil is not flowing through. Does anyone have any ideas how I might be able to clear the blockage?

2. There are several grease nipples which have a thread diameter of about 10mm. Can someone help me with the correct imperial size?

I have the Q&S Instruction Manual, but can't find the answers to these questions.

Andrew

I tried an airline, but it was difficult to get a seal as the oilway comes in at an angle to the felt plug retaining hole.

I then tried inserting some steel rod into the oilway and tapping it with a hammer. That has cleared the blockage on both sides and I now have a steady stream of oil coming through. Next job is to make some replacement felt plugs!