[Boatanchors] strong alignment tools needed

[Garey Barrell]

Bob -

Be careful with "stronger" tools of the hex type.  It is very easy to 
fracture the slugs with a "strong" tool, and then you have a REAL 
problem!!  The fractured slug then expands as you try and turn the tool, 
jamming it tighter, causing you to twist harder, etc.....  If you can't 
turn a slug with a plastic tool, try and determine why before just 
getting a "bigger hammer"!!  :-)

If a plastic tool won't move a slug, try a little heat from a heat gun 
(on LOW) or a hair dryer.  Some are "locked" with beeswax and a little 
heat will soften it.  Sometimes a tough one will succumb to a metal hex 
wrench that has been pre-heated with a soldering iron.

Screwdriver slotted slugs are a little tougher, but will also crack if 
overstressed. 

Metal trimmer screws are not as problematic, but be careful not to short 
the adjustment screw to the chassis when working through a hole in the 
chassis.  These trimmers are often "HOT" and even a momentary short to 
chassis can fry resistor(s) in very obscure places!  A piece of heat 
shrink over the shaft, leaving only the tip exposed, is a good safety 
precaution.

73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA

Drake 2-B, 4-B, C-Line & TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
<www.k4oah.com>



Bob Young wrote:
> Does anyone know of a source for good strong alignment tools that are 
> good for boatanchors especially ones that haven't been touched for 
> 30-40 years? (like most) All I can find are the flimsy plastic ones or 
> equally flimsy wooden ones which usually last about an hour, I have 
> probably tried all the common ones.
>
> Bob Young
> KB1OKL
>