Lyman M5 Scale Magnet Help

[Freddy5]

I recently purchased a Lyman M5 scale on Ebay. The scale is in very good/excellent condition. I decided to clean the scale. In doing so, mostly for curiosity sake, I unscrewed the magnet keeper that is mounted to the base. When I did that the two magnets dropped out along with one metal tab. The tab is attracted to the magnets. Now I have no idea where this tab goes in relation to the magnets. Does anyone know?

Attached is a picture.

Thanks!

 

[powderbrake]

Maybe it fits behind the magnets as some sort of keeper. Is it bowed to hold the magnet in place? I would expect two of them, not just one.

 

[Freddy5]

If it's some kind of keeper, then I have no idea on how it works. The metal tab is not bowed. Yep, just one tab, that's it. It appears that the magnet keeper has never been tampered with. There's no evidence of disassembly.

 

[flyingbrass]

Here is a forum post showing factory magnets in place, but there is no evidence of that tab: http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/on-beam-scales-part-two.3906350/page-8#post-36833260

Could it have been on the far side of one of the magnets to serve as a spacer?

 

[Freddy5]

Thanks for the link. "Could it have been on the far side of one of the magnets to serve as a spacer?" I was wondering about that that too. Both of my magnets appear to be the same size. However, if you look at my picture (post 1) it appears the right side of the keeper has a larger cavity than the one on the left. Maybe the spacer is for the the side of that larger cavity. It could be an illusion in the picture. The keeper was slightly angled when I took the picture. I'll have to look at it tonight when I get home.

 

[Steve Hogan]

When I disassembled my M5 magnets the small metal tab was located under the Left magnet (when viewed from the rear). I suspect that the tab acts as a magnetic shield to prevent the left hand magnet from influencing the steel post next to the copper blade on the beam.That would explain why there is only one tab and it is located on the left side (closest to the beam pivot). I would really love to know if my theory is correct from someone who really knows.

 

[centershot]

Someone last week sold a scale with upgraded magnets. He also was including the originals. If you can find the add, ask the seller. He must know.

 

[1066]

The little metal plate fits flat on the left side when looking from the rear - and yes, as Steve says, I think it's there to stop the magnet influencing the stud on the beam.