[Elecraft] Problem with a K3 screw - suggestions needed

[Mike K2MK]

Hi Fabio,

I think I can help you. I had exactly the same problem and posted this
message some time ago:

I wanted to share a very successful procedure to remove one of the flat head
4-40 cover screws from my K3. The screw head was damaged beyond use. There
was a long thread on the subject last year and one poster suggested using a
left hand drill bit. I purchased a 3/32" left hand bit, chucked it into my
hand drill, masked off the screw to avoid any cover damage, drilled very
slowly, and 5 seconds later the drill bit with the entire screw was in my
hands. The threads of the 2-D fastener were totally undamaged and a new
screw was easily put into place. My thanks to the poster that made the
recommendation.

73,
Mike K2MK


Fabio IZ4AFW / NZ1W wrote
> Hi guys,
>     today I decided to try to apply a mod (Audio Low Pass filter) to my 
> beloved K3.
> My K3 was born in September, 2009 and I bought it factory assembled.
> Up till now, I just added a couple of additional filters and the KV3A 
> board; so, I never unassembled the front panel before.
> 
> Today I found that one of the upper front panel screws was probably 
> overtightened (or defective).
> I tried to unscrew the screw with several phillips screwdrivers (little 
> and big), to no avail.
> The side effect of my (unsuccessful) tentatives was that:
> 1) I was not able to unscrew the screw
> 2) now the screw head is damaged (see pic at 
> https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V1aTCoSq5qkgs3y-beE_DdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink)
> 
> I got to unassemble the front panel unscrewing a couple of screws more, 
> but I'd like to solve this little problem (moreover, it's ugly).
> Before going with some more destructive methods (I am thinking about 
> drilling the screw??), I'd like to have some savy suggestion from the 
> community...
> Moreover, do you know if Elecraft has an additional screw kit available 
> (I don't need the stainless steel ones)?
> 
> As a side note, I found that almost all the flat-head screws were very 
> "soft" and damage-prone (differently from the other round-head screws).
> 
> Thanks in advance for your suggestions,
> 73 Ciao
> Fabio
>   IZ4AFW - NZ1W - HI9/IZ4AFW





--
View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Problem-with-a-K3-screw-suggestions-needed-tp7567729p7567738.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.