Yes you are correct about the screw size, 10 / 24, very sorry, I must use the 10/ 32 screw for something as I have several. I have never used the lighter stepped down spring you can buy, think they are $$$. I'm sure several things may work as the half inch pan head with the tighter spring sure does work pretty darned good for me, and is very safe. But your longer screw and looser spring may be better, something for me to try, most anything is an improvement. Thank you for your advise and thanks to everyone on this forum for being so very very helpful.