[Elecraft] Rusting screws

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

Errr Thanks Eric!

Mike W0MU

W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net


On 12/9/2011 6:33 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote:
> Hi Mike,
>
> We're going to look seriously at the SS screws for all products.
>
> We've actually been using the current black oxide steel type of screw 
> for the external screws since we started the company with the K2. 
> These are the same type of screw used by Alpha amps and a number of 
> other ham manufacturers.( I just got off the phone earlier today with 
> Alpha confirming this.)
>
> While receiving occasional reports of rust from tropical and extremely 
> humid areas, most users have not reported any problems. As an example, 
> I live 1 mile from the ocean here in CA, and the screws on my 12+ year 
> old K2, my K3, KX1, K1 etc are all pristine. We created the K3 SS 
> screwkit for the K3 as a special kit for dxpeditioners etc who were 
> operating in extreme conditions. It consists of all of the exterior 
> screws on the K3 (not just the 4-40 x 3/16 screws) and was bought by 
> us in low volumes, hence the higher price. We're probably breaking 
> even on these after kitting, order entry etc. We're certainly not 
> getting rich selling the SS screw kits. :-)
>
> Also, the rust seen on extreme dxpeditions was restricted just to the 
> exterior screws. We haven't seen any serious corrosion with the 
> interior screws.
>
> That said, the screw corrosion thread here has prompted us to revisit 
> this and to look at phasing in SS screws across the whole product 
> line. It is certainly happening in more cases than we, our you, would 
> like to see. We are actively looking at sources right now and I'll 
> report back to the list as we get something defined, both for new kits 
> and for mod kits to existing rigs. This is a pretty big project to 
> change it all over. We'll make sure to keep the cost on the SS screw 
> mod kits very low. Our goal is to make sure there is nothing standing 
> in the way of the K2, and or other products, being perceived as high 
> quality products.
>
> Also, in the near term, we'll replace any of the existing exterior 
> screws with the same type at no cost for corrosion. Just email 
> parts at elecraft.com and let them know which screws you need and the qty 
> etc.
>
> 73, Eric   WA6HHQ
>
> www.elecraft.com
>
>
> On 12/9/2011 7:14 AM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote:
>> Thanks.
>>
>> I was curious if the screw kit Elecraft provides is just for cover 
>> screws.
>>
>> They are working on a SS kit for the KPA 500 too.
>>
>> The cost for 100 screws has shown there is no reason other than profit
>> not to include SS hardware with the kits from the start.
>>
>> Mike W0MU
>>
>> W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net
>>
>>
>> On 12/9/2011 5:28 AM, Phil&  Debbie Salas wrote:
>>> FWIW - I bought #4x1/4" SS black-oxide covered screws from McMaster 
>>> Carr.
>>> Price is $3.91/100.  Part number 96640A054.  I use them on my K3 and 
>>> KPA500.
>>>
>>> Phil - AD5X
>>>
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