[Elecraft] K3 Bottom Front Panel Issues

[Don Wilhelm]

Byron,

I would hesitate to put locktite of any kind on the enclosure screws - 
they would be a bear to remove.
Since these are steel screws run into aluminum, the two dissimilar 
metals can create drag and can actually lock together, so you have an 
effective 'threadlocker' already.  One trick I learned long ago is to 
put a tiny drop of oil on the screwthreads when inserting a steel screw 
into aluminum to assure that the screw will be fully seated.  Often the 
threads can drag and give the appearance of being tight, but in fact are 
still loose.

I see no problem with using locktite on the screws that mount the board 
to either standoffs or the 2-D connectors, but if lockwashers are used 
and the screw is adequately tightened, they seldom come loose.  Some 
builders seem to use "wimpy wrists", maybe they are afraid of breaking 
something, but the screws holding the board to standoffs or 2D 
connectors should be made more than just snug, give them that "little 
extra".

73,
Don W3FPR

Byron Servies wrote:
> On Dec 30, 2009, at 2:29 AM, Brett Howard wrote:
>
>   
>> I've also tried using lock-tite to hold the standoffs onto the screws
>> from the board side  <snip>
>>     
>
> I have also considered using either a drop of blue loctite or a tiny bit of Phil's grease as a thread locker / vibration protection for the screws in my K1 and was wondering if anyone had any first hand experience to report.
>
> Byron KI6NUL
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
> Version: 9.0.722 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2594 - Release Date: 12/30/09 02:27:00
>
>