[Elecraft] Handle replacement on K3

[Jim Wiley]

What I use for nut-locking compound is plain old fingernail polish. Any 
color will work, but I use red because it is easy to see. 


It can be used two ways - to secure nuts and screws, and as an indicator 
that unauthorized persons have been inside the box - sometimes called 
"warranty paint".   Slather the polish liberally over the screw and 
threads, as well as over the interface area where the screw head or nut 
meets the panel.  Use the applicator brush to work the paint into the 
threads.    


Fingernail polish dries in minutes, perhaps even seconds depending on 
environmental factors, is inexpensive, and will break away with only a 
little extra torque on the fastener if you really want it out of the 
way.   Perhaps the XYL even has some she no longer wants, and if so, you 
won't have to buy any.


All this presumes that the nut or screw being secured is not normally 
visible.  If it is, clear polish is available, and works the same way.  
One bottle lasts for years.  Keep it away from plastics unless you don't 
mind the fact that fingernail polish uses acetone, or an acetone like 
chemical, as a base, and will dissolve or at least soften some 
plastics.   As always, try it on an inconspicuous area first.


- Jim, KL7CC


Jon Zaimes AA1K wrote:

 Thanks for the tip.

The side panel did come off OK by itself, and the nut quickly dropped 
out onto the work table.

<snip>

On 8/22/2010 07:24 AM, Julian, G4ILO wrote

Yours is the first post I can recall reporting this. If you are 
concerned about it happening again you could try putting a blob of paint 
on the thread of the bolt before retightening it, or even some special 
stuff made for precisely that purpoise (over here it is called Loctite.)