1939 BSA box o' parts.

[Alan de Enfield]

They're actually a machine screw and the steel cap is threaded. Making parts is half the fun! A quick and dirty solution would be to epoxy the cap to the handguard and fill the screw holes but I won't do that either.

They are actually a special Enfield thread (as are pretty much all threads on a No1 Mk3)
the threads for those two small screws are 0.096" x 56tpi

But, if Brian has them - take the easy way out.

[Mk VII]

Pretty close to No.7 BA, for those outside the NA continent.

[Sweeney]

Easy enough to single point cut on the lathe but, since Brian has originals...

[browningautorifle]

Easy enough to single point cut on the lathe

But...they are SO flippin' tiny...even using a small screw lathe.

[Sweeney]

But...they are SO flippin' tiny...even using a small screw lathe.

It's not so bad. I just cut the thread (0.096" x 56tpi) on a 16" South Bend lathe from 0.125" brazing rod. I'll see how it fits the cap when I get home.

[browningautorifle]

a 16" South Bend lathe

That's about the size of mine. Only if they were unavailable though...I've had to do too much of that misery work I guess.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

The original screws are specified as having this thread: .096"dia x 56tpi

If you enjoy a miniature engineering challenge and have the toys, go for it.

Or contact Brian Dick, etc. who probably has a few originals tucked away somewhere.

I have yet to see a front hand-guard cap that does NOT have threaded holes. Anyone got an update? Ishapore, etc.?
HOWEVER, there is the OFFICIAL cheap and cheerful alternative:

BRASS RIVETS

If you cannot find them at your friendly parts purveyor, they are a doddle to make in a small lathe. (Even a power drill clamped in a vise, if you are going all "shade-tree".)

A couple of caveats: You need a keen eye and a steady hand (and the correct punch, rests, etc, and possibly an "assistant") to fix these rivets properly. If the VERY thin wooden "rebate" is even slightly shabby, it will NOT be a fun time. Ditto, the relatively scarce front hand-guards with the "parallel" barrel groove

The ONLY thread in a SMLE that is remotely close to an "Industry Standard", the the big stock screw, which is as close to 7/16 BSW as you'll get. This is also the ONLY thread carried across to the production No4 series. The No4 developers saw the light and used ACTUAL, commercial / "standard" BA, BSF threads on every other fastener.

P-14 rifles share the use of "Enfield Special" threads, which must have amused the US contractors no end.

The Patt. '07 bayonet has one "interesting" thread:

The thread joining the bayonet catch and the "button" is: 0.181" x 26 1/3 TPI. There's a size you won't find at the "big box" hardware store. And, just for giggles, it is the same thread used for the dial-sight screw on Lee Metfords and Lee Enfields.

[Mk VII]

I've got an Australian one here somewhere which is rivetted.

[Roger Payne]

I've had a couple, not counting codged up or Khyber Pass examples. I think the one shown is probably correct, although the guard is too well worn to retain any identifying markings. However, it looks to be (very dirty) beech, so I did wonder if it might even be late UK mfr.

[browningautorifle]

Nice little rolled rivets.