Building a steam engine #2

I've made a start, with the base and crankshaft assembly. Crankshaft has a total of 4 ball bearing races, 2 at each end, and eccentrics and straps are fitted - these will drive the valve gear. Valve gear assemblies have been built, and links added. However... the screws connecting the links are very short and one of the links has poor thread so the screw does not 'bite'. Screws are 0-80 x 1/8 (length) pan head. so tiny. How to resolve? fit a longer screw? They can't stick out of the other side, so 3/16 is too long. I don't think there are any spare screws to shorten a 3/16, and these screws are from the US so not easy to find over here. re-tap the link to take a BA thread is one option. Remake the link in the workshop is another. Suggestions appreciated.