Lighthouse Watermark Detector Broke (Sort Of)

The detector works by pressing the stamp between two plastic blocks with side illumination. The top block removes to allow inserting the stamp and after inserting back in you turn a large knob at base that increases the clamp pressure. More pressure improves results.

The block that presses is attached to the large screw with a small screw. Well, I exceed the shear strenth of it so the smaller screw broke off flush with the large screw.

The unit still works but I assume the screw stabilizes the press. I contacted Lighthouse and they do not sell any spare parts so suggested contact the sell (from ebay). The screw was small (like US #6 or # 8).

In any event, I will eventually try to drill the broken screw and then tap the hole (or use thread cutting screw) and use another screw.

Angore, difficult situation. Try drill and easy out. But the fact that you tightened it to breaking point, it will be difficult. 6 or 8/32". Self tapping screw may work too. As a last resort, and if the large screw is capable of being drilled oversize to accomidate and use a helicoil and use same size screw again. Most autoparts stores have them, maybe some hardware stores.

As for more clamping pressure, I have the lever type handle to apply pressue. When it needed more compression I just inserted a thin piece of translucent plastic film to close space so it would squeeze better without having to overexert pressure on the lever.

Does Lighthouse even carry that watermark detector? Or did they discontinue it?

The Leuchtturm website that is the original one only shows a device that is somewhat similar to the SAFE signoscope.

I see it on their website.

That one appears to have hinges on the website.

A pretty expensive gadget not to have spare parts available.

I agree on no spare parts. I exchanged emails several times and they were not helpful.

This looks similar to a Gibbons detector, so they're probably just badged. Did you ask them for the name of the manufacturer?

I will contact Gibbons. All Lighthouse said more than once was to contact seller.

I get no help when I contact Lighthouse in Germany, either. My emails appear to just disappear down a rathole. I don't understand that approach to business. Even a simple acknowledgement would be nice. Of course, I got the same cold shoulder treatment recently when I wrote to Davo in the Netherlands, so maybe it's me?