[Elecraft] GREAT alignment tool

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Quite right, Geoff, when they fit! 

I've found that is often not the case, especially in situations like the KX1
where the alignment screw is behind another board that has a small access
hole in it. Often the access hole isn't big enough to accommodate the
larger-diameter tool or the alignment of the screw adjustment isn't exact,
putting it near one edge of the hole. 

That's where I'm digging for my ceramic tools. 

But, as you noted, those tools are more robust and the tiny metal 'blade'
isn't big enough to detune the circuit.

In my experience the worst choice, in terms of potential damage caused by a
slip, is a plain metal shaft screwdriver. If I must reach for the screw
through other boards or close to other component leads I'll either go for
the ceramic tool or wrap some electrical tape around the shaft of a metal
screwdriver, leaving only the tip exposed to slip into the slot on the
screw.  

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
The plastic versions which have a small blade poking out at one end and 
recessed at the other are also useful for tweaking circuits working at HF 
and low - mid VHF, ceramic better for higher frequencies such as 900 MHz 
that you mention. The recessed blade makes getting proper alignment dead 
easy and prevents the blade slipping off while tweaking.

73,
Geoff
GM4ESD