[Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
I was going to install a new Filter before the SS next weekend. I used the proper size Phillips screwdriver. The screws on the case lid came out easily. However one of the two side screws that hold the Stiffener Bar will not break loose. The last time this screw was removed and reinstalled was at the factory. I know it's the right size Phillips. It fit fine in the other screws. But despite trying to bear down on this screw, the Phillips head just slips inside of the screw head. Before it gets round off any more, I thought I'd ask for recommendations. I'd like to be able to install the Filter without damaging the case. Regardless it'll have to be replaced with a regular Ace Hardware SS screw. Thanks .. Dave, W9ZRX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
Dave Zeph wrote: I was going to install a new Filter before the SS next weekend. I used the proper size Phillips screwdriver. The screws on the case lid came out easily. However one of the two side screws that hold the Stiffener Bar will not break loose. I've done that a few times! Unscrew all the remaining screws on the side panel. Then carefully rotate the entire panel slightly counterclockwise about the locked screw. This should remove some tension on the screw so you can then remove it with the screwdriver. If you had 2 locked screws on a panel this method would not work. I've since learned to be very careful when tightening the screws! 73 GL! Bill -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Overtighted-Case-Screw-Removal-tp6990655p6990702.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
I recently upgraded my first run K3 and SN 822. 822 was fine, but with #295, I had the same thing as you describe..several times. I sure did not tighten them that much when I put it together! Besides what Bill has contributed to your issue, I had to leave the 2D in place and manage to remove all the other screws so that the block came off with the side panel. I then used a traditional pliers to undo the block. So like I said, no way I made it that tight originally. Maybe it's an Elecraft feature...self-tightening screws? LOL So you may need to be a bit more creative than simply rocking the side panel 30 degrees to loosen it up (or other panels). Worst case, you can get one of the backwards drill bits (no, I don't know what they are really called) and take it out that way. I did not need to do that. de Doug KR2Q __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
Backward drill bit? Would that be an Easy Out? Kevin. KD5ONS On 11/13/2011 2:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: I recently upgraded my first run K3 and SN 822. 822 was fine, but with #295, I had the same thing as you describe..several times. I sure did not tighten them that much when I put it together! Besides what Bill has contributed to your issue, I had to leave the 2D in place and manage to remove all the other screws so that the block came off with the side panel. I then used a traditional pliers to undo the block. So like I said, no way I made it that tight originally. Maybe it's an Elecraft feature...self-tightening screws? LOL So you may need to be a bit more creative than simply rocking the side panel 30 degrees to loosen it up (or other panels). Worst case, you can get one of the backwards drill bits (no, I don't know what they are really called) and take it out that way. I did not need to do that. de Doug KR2Q __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
No, there are actually left-hand drill bits for certain specialty operations. This would be one of them ;-) I can testify that left-hand drills and left-hand taps should be securely locked up in the shop lest they vex the unwary - hehe. 73, geo - n4ua On Sun, Nov 13, 2011 at 5:44 PM, kevinr kev...@coho.net wrote: Backward drill bit? Would that be an Easy Out? Kevin. KD5ONS On 11/13/2011 2:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: I recently upgraded my first run K3 and SN 822. 822 was fine, but with #295, I had the same thing as you describe..several times. I sure did not tighten them that much when I put it together! Besides what Bill has contributed to your issue, I had to leave the 2D in place and manage to remove all the other screws so that the block came off with the side panel. I then used a traditional pliers to undo the block. So like I said, no way I made it that tight originally. Maybe it's an Elecraft feature...self-tightening screws? LOL So you may need to be a bit more creative than simply rocking the side panel 30 degrees to loosen it up (or other panels). Worst case, you can get one of the backwards drill bits (no, I don't know what they are really called) and take it out that way. I did not need to do that. de Doug KR2Q __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
On 11/13/2011 2:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBACK wrote: So you may need to be a bit more creative than simply rocking the side panel 30 degrees to loosen it up (or other panels). Worst case, you can get one of the backwards drill bits (no, I don't know what they are really called) and take it out that way. I did not need to do that. It's called an Easy-Out and it's a rather brute force procedure, drilling and tapping a pilot hole in the screw. I hate to do that in any screw smaller than 1/4 inch diameter! If the problem is that there isn't enough torque to loosen the screw and the screwdriver rides out of the groove(s), there are compounds (one brand is Gitta Grip), a paste that when applied in very small quantities to the tip of the screwdriver will keep it in the groove(s) and permit more torque to be applied to loosen a reluctant screw. A small container goes a very long way. Search for it on the 'web - it's hard to find at retail. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
EZ outs? Mike W0MU J6M CQ WW DX CW Contest 2011 J6/W0MU November 21 - December 1 2011 W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net On 11/13/2011 3:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: I recently upgraded my first run K3 and SN 822. 822 was fine, but with #295, I had the same thing as you describe..several times. I sure did not tighten them that much when I put it together! Besides what Bill has contributed to your issue, I had to leave the 2D in place and manage to remove all the other screws so that the block came off with the side panel. I then used a traditional pliers to undo the block. So like I said, no way I made it that tight originally. Maybe it's an Elecraft feature...self-tightening screws? LOL So you may need to be a bit more creative than simply rocking the side panel 30 degrees to loosen it up (or other panels). Worst case, you can get one of the backwards drill bits (no, I don't know what they are really called) and take it out that way. I did not need to do that. de Doug KR2Q __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
I had this happen once and was stuck because it wasn't in a place that permitted removing all the other screws and rotating the panel, so I simply drilled the screw out. It's very simple and doesn't damage the threads or panel with the flat head screws used in the K3 and subsequent Elecraft gear. I used a drill bit the same diameter as the shaft of the screw. The cross grooves in the head hold it centered nicely. Drill slowly and suddenly the head of the screw will fall off, freeing the panel. Then you can remove the threaded screw shaft with your fingers - it will no longer be jammed (unless it was cross-threaded when it was put in). Done carefully, there is no damage to the panel or the threaded hole. Now all you need is a replacement screw. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Phil Kane Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2011 3:45 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal? On 11/13/2011 2:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBACK wrote: So you may need to be a bit more creative than simply rocking the side panel 30 degrees to loosen it up (or other panels). Worst case, you can get one of the backwards drill bits (no, I don't know what they are really called) and take it out that way. I did not need to do that. It's called an Easy-Out and it's a rather brute force procedure, drilling and tapping a pilot hole in the screw. I hate to do that in any screw smaller than 1/4 inch diameter! If the problem is that there isn't enough torque to loosen the screw and the screwdriver rides out of the groove(s), there are compounds (one brand is Gitta Grip), a paste that when applied in very small quantities to the tip of the screwdriver will keep it in the groove(s) and permit more torque to be applied to loosen a reluctant screw. A small container goes a very long way. Search for it on the 'web - it's hard to find at retail. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
I would like to add 2 things. First, a worn screwdriver tip can strip out the screwhead - if there is any doubt and the corners of the tip look at all shiny, buy a new one - of course, after the screwhead is stripped, it is like closing the barn door after the horse got out. I replace the #1 phillips screwdriver at my workbench every 3 or 4 months. Once the edges get rounded, there is danger of stripping out the screwhead. When buying a new screwdriver, get a good one, bargain tools will cause you headaches in the long run. Secondly, this is a potential problem with steel screws binding in aluminum - it is also temperature dependent - aluminum and steel do not expand at the same rate. A tiny drop of oil on the screw threads when inserting the screw will prevent future occurrences, and often a drop of oil around the screw head and a half hour of patience while it seeps in will allow the screw to be removed. That is just my experience of working with screws accumulated over the past 50 years. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/13/2011 5:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: Besides what Bill has contributed to your issue, I had to leave the 2D in place and manage to remove all the other screws so that the block came off with the side panel. I then used a traditional pliers to undo the block. So like I said, no way I made it that tight originally. Maybe it's an Elecraft feature...self-tightening screws? LOL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
I agree on the (phillips) screwdriver tips. They sneak up on you and you don't realize that they are rounded off. What I have done for another alternate is to take a dremmel cut off disc, the thinnest one and carefully cut a tiny groove across the head of the screw after first sticking down two small strips of duct tape on both sides of the screw for protection. Just a tiny slot is all that is needed, then take a flat blade screwdriver and try to back it out. First I (gently) tap the screwdriver head with a small hammer (gently) this helps loosen the interface between the steel screw thread and the aluminum. If you have a new phillips screwdriver you might try the (gentle) tap then turn approach first and see what happens. Good luck, I know it is frustrating ! Thumbs up on the drop of oil on the screw threads too !!! Bob K6UJ On Nov 13, 2011, at 6:15 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: I would like to add 2 things. First, a worn screwdriver tip can strip out the screwhead - if there is any doubt and the corners of the tip look at all shiny, buy a new one - of course, after the screwhead is stripped, it is like closing the barn door after the horse got out. I replace the #1 phillips screwdriver at my workbench every 3 or 4 months. Once the edges get rounded, there is danger of stripping out the screwhead. When buying a new screwdriver, get a good one, bargain tools will cause you headaches in the long run. Secondly, this is a potential problem with steel screws binding in aluminum - it is also temperature dependent - aluminum and steel do not expand at the same rate. A tiny drop of oil on the screw threads when inserting the screw will prevent future occurrences, and often a drop of oil around the screw head and a half hour of patience while it seeps in will allow the screw to be removed. That is just my experience of working with screws accumulated over the past 50 years. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/13/2011 5:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: Besides what Bill has contributed to your issue, I had to leave the 2D in place and manage to remove all the other screws so that the block came off with the side panel. I then used a traditional pliers to undo the block. So like I said, no way I made it that tight originally. Maybe it's an Elecraft feature...self-tightening screws? LOL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
Rapid cooling of the screw may also help. You don't need to go out and buy some freeze spray if you have a can of dry air aerosol dust remover. Turn the can upside down, using an extender tip that often comes with contact cleaner or aerosol lubricants, and try to limit the spray to the screw. Turned upside down the can releases the liquid propellent which is about as good as freeze spray. Ron VE8RT On Sun, 2011-11-13 at 21:15 -0500, Don Wilhelm wrote: I would like to add 2 things. First, a worn screwdriver tip can strip out the screwhead - if there is any doubt and the corners of the tip look at all shiny, buy a new one - of course, after the screwhead is stripped, it is like closing the barn door after the horse got out. I replace the #1 phillips screwdriver at my workbench every 3 or 4 months. Once the edges get rounded, there is danger of stripping out the screwhead. When buying a new screwdriver, get a good one, bargain tools will cause you headaches in the long run. Secondly, this is a potential problem with steel screws binding in aluminum - it is also temperature dependent - aluminum and steel do not expand at the same rate. A tiny drop of oil on the screw threads when inserting the screw will prevent future occurrences, and often a drop of oil around the screw head and a half hour of patience while it seeps in will allow the screw to be removed. That is just my experience of working with screws accumulated over the past 50 years. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/13/2011 5:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: Besides what Bill has contributed to your issue, I had to leave the 2D in place and manage to remove all the other screws so that the block came off with the side panel. I then used a traditional pliers to undo the block. So like I said, no way I made it that tight originally. Maybe it's an Elecraft feature...self-tightening screws? LOL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
I've found a little dab of valve grinding compound on the screwdriver tip works wonders working on aircraft parts. Jim K5AUP In a message dated 11/13/2011 9:37:29 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, k...@pacbell.net writes: I agree on the (phillips) screwdriver tips. They sneak up on you and you don't realize that they are rounded off. What I have done for another alternate is to take a dremmel cut off disc, the thinnest one and carefully cut a tiny groove across the head of the screw after first sticking down two small strips of duct tape on both sides of the screw for protection. Just a tiny slot is all that is needed, then take a flat blade screwdriver and try to back it out. First I (gently) tap the screwdriver head with a small hammer (gently) this helps loosen the interface between the steel screw thread and the aluminum. If you have a new phillips screwdriver you might try the (gentle) tap then turn approach first and see what happens. Good luck, I know it is frustrating ! Thumbs up on the drop of oil on the screw threads too !!! Bob K6UJ On Nov 13, 2011, at 6:15 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: I would like to add 2 things. First, a worn screwdriver tip can strip out the screwhead - if there is any doubt and the corners of the tip look at all shiny, buy a new one - of course, after the screwhead is stripped, it is like closing the barn door after the horse got out. I replace the #1 phillips screwdriver at my workbench every 3 or 4 months. Once the edges get rounded, there is danger of stripping out the screwhead. When buying a new screwdriver, get a good one, bargain tools will cause you headaches in the long run. Secondly, this is a potential problem with steel screws binding in aluminum - it is also temperature dependent - aluminum and steel do not expand at the same rate. A tiny drop of oil on the screw threads when inserting the screw will prevent future occurrences, and often a drop of oil around the screw head and a half hour of patience while it seeps in will allow the screw to be removed. That is just my experience of working with screws accumulated over the past 50 years. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/13/2011 5:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: Besides what Bill has contributed to your issue, I had to leave the 2D in place and manage to remove all the other screws so that the block came off with the side panel. I then used a traditional pliers to undo the block. So like I said, no way I made it that tight originally. Maybe it's an Elecraft feature...self-tightening screws? LOL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
Another almost miraculous chemical fix for such problems is to get your hands on a can of Kano Kroil. (See details at http://www.kanolabs.com/). This stuff is flat-out unbelievable. I used it for many years to loosen stubbornly rusted and/or galled antenna hardware and it never failed to do the job. It used to be hard for civilians to get, but my dad was a maintenance mechanic at an Alcoa Aluminum rolling mill and he got me a can or three. That was around 30 years ago, and I still have most of one can left. I see now that you can buy it directly from the company's web site. It ain't cheap, but it's the best thing going. 73... Randy, W8FN Secondly, this is a potential problem with steel screws binding in aluminum - it is also temperature dependent - aluminum and steel do not expand at the same rate. A tiny drop of oil on the screw threads when inserting the screw will prevent future occurrences, and often a drop of oil around the screw head and a half hour of patience while it seeps in will allow the screw to be removed. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
While I'm at it, here are a couple of tricks used by aviation mechanics. Using a good screwdriver tip, dip it spark plug cleaner abrasive, then try it on the screwhead. OK, so you don't keep a stock of spark plug cleaner abrasive, another trick is to use a very small amount of crazy glue on the screwdriver tip and cement the tip to the screw. One that works for me with small screws, but it has a higher risk of damaging something if it slips off. And wear eye protection, most of the times my flush cutters failed they sent the broken blade flying as a projectile. I put one blade of the flush cutter in the centre of the screw and grip the outside edge of the screw with the other blade and getting started backing out. Another risky approach, again eye protection is recommended, if you have a small enough chisel, then with light taps from a light ball peen hammer drive the chisel into one edge of the screw counter clockwise enough to loosen it. Lastly, and only if you have good eyes, an excellent sense of having the drill bit square to the screw, and a steady hand, you could drill out the centre of the screw and remove the remains. In cases where the screw bottomed out onto something solid and nothing else worked, this usually does. There is very very high risk of drilling off square though and damaging the original threads. Ron VE8RT On Sun, 2011-11-13 at 21:15 -0500, Don Wilhelm wrote: I would like to add 2 things. First, a worn screwdriver tip can strip out the screwhead - if there is any doubt and the corners of the tip look at all shiny, buy a new one - of course, after the screwhead is stripped, it is like closing the barn door after the horse got out. I replace the #1 phillips screwdriver at my workbench every 3 or 4 months. Once the edges get rounded, there is danger of stripping out the screwhead. When buying a new screwdriver, get a good one, bargain tools will cause you headaches in the long run. Secondly, this is a potential problem with steel screws binding in aluminum - it is also temperature dependent - aluminum and steel do not expand at the same rate. A tiny drop of oil on the screw threads when inserting the screw will prevent future occurrences, and often a drop of oil around the screw head and a half hour of patience while it seeps in will allow the screw to be removed. That is just my experience of working with screws accumulated over the past 50 years. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/13/2011 5:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: Besides what Bill has contributed to your issue, I had to leave the 2D in place and manage to remove all the other screws so that the block came off with the side panel. I then used a traditional pliers to undo the block. So like I said, no way I made it that tight originally. Maybe it's an Elecraft feature...self-tightening screws? LOL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
As I reported earlier, I found that this is quite easy to do because the cross point slots make a well-centered starting point. I used a Dremel tool that was easy to hold. You don't need to get anywhere near the threads. The flat head of the screw will come loose the moment the drill bit has passed through it and long before it's anywhere near the threads behind the panel. The big thing is to use a drill bit that is the same diameter as the screw shaft. You don't want to open up the hole in the panel. That would allow screws to bottom out against what's behind the panel and never tighten against the panel itself. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Lastly, and only if you have good eyes, an excellent sense of having the drill bit square to the screw, and a steady hand, you could drill out the centre of the screw and remove the remains. In cases where the screw bottomed out onto something solid and nothing else worked, this usually does. There is very very high risk of drilling off square though and damaging the original threads. Ron VE8RT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?
If it's tight enough to require this much intervention and compenstion, just drill off all of the screw heads and replace the 2-D block and the countersunk screws. Don't panic. You're not dealing with a relic, it's a modern ham rig. Any part(s) can be replaced easily, and Elecraft support for problems like this is excellent. After this much discussion I have little doubt Elecraft tech support would not send the replacement parts to you gratis in an envelope pretty quick-quick. They almost always do this. It is Their Way. 73, matt W6NIA On Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:50:27 -0700, you wrote: While I'm at it, here are a couple of tricks used by aviation mechanics. Using a good screwdriver tip, dip it spark plug cleaner abrasive, then try it on the screwhead. OK, so you don't keep a stock of spark plug cleaner abrasive, another trick is to use a very small amount of crazy glue on the screwdriver tip and cement the tip to the screw. One that works for me with small screws, but it has a higher risk of damaging something if it slips off. And wear eye protection, most of the times my flush cutters failed they sent the broken blade flying as a projectile. I put one blade of the flush cutter in the centre of the screw and grip the outside edge of the screw with the other blade and getting started backing out. Another risky approach, again eye protection is recommended, if you have a small enough chisel, then with light taps from a light ball peen hammer drive the chisel into one edge of the screw counter clockwise enough to loosen it. Lastly, and only if you have good eyes, an excellent sense of having the drill bit square to the screw, and a steady hand, you could drill out the centre of the screw and remove the remains. In cases where the screw bottomed out onto something solid and nothing else worked, this usually does. There is very very high risk of drilling off square though and damaging the original threads. Ron VE8RT On Sun, 2011-11-13 at 21:15 -0500, Don Wilhelm wrote: I would like to add 2 things. First, a worn screwdriver tip can strip out the screwhead - if there is any doubt and the corners of the tip look at all shiny, buy a new one - of course, after the screwhead is stripped, it is like closing the barn door after the horse got out. I replace the #1 phillips screwdriver at my workbench every 3 or 4 months. Once the edges get rounded, there is danger of stripping out the screwhead. When buying a new screwdriver, get a good one, bargain tools will cause you headaches in the long run. Secondly, this is a potential problem with steel screws binding in aluminum - it is also temperature dependent - aluminum and steel do not expand at the same rate. A tiny drop of oil on the screw threads when inserting the screw will prevent future occurrences, and often a drop of oil around the screw head and a half hour of patience while it seeps in will allow the screw to be removed. That is just my experience of working with screws accumulated over the past 50 years. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/13/2011 5:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: Besides what Bill has contributed to your issue, I had to leave the 2D in place and manage to remove all the other screws so that the block came off with the side panel. I then used a traditional pliers to undo the block. So like I said, no way I made it that tight originally. Maybe it's an Elecraft feature...self-tightening screws? LOL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
