[Elecraft] Overtighted Case Screw Removal?

[Don Wilhelm]

I would like to add 2 things.  First, a worn screwdriver tip can strip 
out the screwhead - if there is any doubt and the corners of the tip 
look at all shiny, buy a new one - of course, after the screwhead is 
stripped, it is like closing the barn door after the horse got out.  I 
replace the #1 phillips screwdriver at my workbench every 3 or 4 
months.  Once the edges get rounded, there is danger of stripping out 
the screwhead.  When buying a new screwdriver, get a good one, bargain 
tools will cause you headaches in the long run.

Secondly, this is a potential problem with steel screws binding in 
aluminum - it is also temperature dependent - aluminum and steel do not 
expand at the same rate.  A tiny drop of oil on the screw threads when 
inserting the screw will prevent future occurrences, and often a drop of 
oil around the screw head and a half hour of patience while it seeps in 
will allow the screw to be removed.

That is just my experience of working with screws accumulated over the 
past 50 years.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/13/2011 5:06 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote:
> Besides what Bill has contributed to your issue, I had to leave the 2D
> in place and manage to remove all the other screws so that the block
> came off with the side panel.  I then used a traditional pliers to
> undo the block.  So like I said, no way I made it that tight
> originally.  Maybe it's an Elecraft feature...self-tightening screws?
> LOL
>