When shellplate bearing kits are added to the RL 550 press, the Shellplate Bolt (#13794) is typically raised about 1/8". On some presses this is enough to prevent the Brass Tip Set Screw (#13923) from locking the Shellplate Bolt. The solution is this Extended 550 Shellplate Bolt.

Even with a stock RL 550 press, the Shellplate Bolt may be short enough that the Brass Tip Set Screw doesn't make full contact on the bolt's shoulder (see photo at right). This can only be made made worse when installing shellplate bearing kits. The only solution is to install a longer Shellplate Bolt.

Ultra‑Low Profile Bolt Head
We designed the Extended 550 Shellplate Bolt with an Ultra‑Low Profile bolt head that doesn't intrude into the central hole of the toolhead at the top of the ram stroke. This not only looks cleaner, but is less likely to interfere with light kits that mount in the toolhead's center hole.

Q&A
Q: Can I use the Extended 550 Shelplate Bolt on a press without a shellplate bearing?
A: The best answer I can give you is "maybe". There is enough variability from press to press that it is impossible to know without trying it. On my own 550B press, it has about 1/3 turn of extra play beyond proper shellplate adjustment. But some customers have reported that it was too long to work on their press without a bearing.

Q: Can I use the Extended 550 Shelplate Bolt on an XL 650 or XL 750 press?
A: No. The 650/750 Shellplate Bolt is a different design and an extended Shellplate Bolt is not know to be needed.