i need to replace my old quil stem because i lost the long screw that holds it in place.
is it easy to measure my stem size so i can find a new replacement? my current stem is real old so i cant find any identical ones. ill update what it is when i get home

whats your guys views on quil stem to threadless converters?

The most critical measurement is the diameter of the stem, both where it goes into the steerer tube of the fork, and where it wraps around the handle bar. Sometimes the sizes are engraved/printed on the stem and bar, making it dead easy. If they aren't I strongly recommend using a vernier caliper. For this, the fractions will be important.

Length and reach can be measured any old how. Angle is a bit more tricky, but visual comparison should be enough to get you a working replacement.

Unless you're aiming for an all-out vintage restoration, identical isn't important. With a bit of luck you might even find one with a removable faceplate, which is ever so much easier to work with than the old wrap-around clamps.

1) they work just fine
2) in today's market they offer a wider variety of stems to choose from
3) They do look a bit more kludgy than both the pure threaded and the pure threadless. Slightly heavier too.

thanks a bunch dude. great help im going to my lbs today to look around

Why don't you go to the LBS and see if they have a spare bolt that they can sell you?

i tried with no luck =[

I would try the oldest bike shop in town, community bike shop (these tend to have more old junk parts) or maybe call harris cyclery

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/opc.html