[Elecraft] Problem with a K3 screw - suggestions needed

[Fred Smith]

Don spoke the truth about screwdrivers you "Must" use the proper size for
what screw size your working on. The small sizes I buy 3 at a time and at
the first sign of a problem with them in the trash they go. This goes for
Phillips and common head or all other special ones.

I was taught this my very first year of Gun Smithing School working on guns.
Custom made guns and foreign made and many different screw head sizes and
even designs. In turn we had to make screwdrivers to match each of them so
that what your photo shows did not happen on a sometimes $25-30,000 custom
made shotgun. 

If you come across a screw that is stuck like that first off get a small
mallet and strike the screwdriver handle while holding it very straight and
tight against the screw. On a radio "DO NOT" strike it really hard but a few
taps will sometimes break loose a stubborn one for easy removal. But nothing
replaces the proper screwdriver to begin with.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ 

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 5:15 PM
To: Fabio IZ4AFW / NZ1W
Cc: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Problem with a K3 screw - suggestions needed

Fabio,

That screw in into a 2D connector.
You will be able to remove the front panel by removing the other 2 screws in
the 2D connector, and then you should be able to rotate the 2D connector
body in a direction that will loosen the screw threads.  
Elecraft does have replacement screws.  You do not have to purchase the SS
kit, just order by the part number listed in the assembly manual - you can
order one or any multiple you want.

The proper size screwdriver is a #1 Phillips which should be available
worldwide.  Do not use a worn Phillips screwdriver, it is certain to slip
and strip out the screwhead.  If you have had trouble, I suggest you invest
in a new screwdriver.

I use my #1 Phillips more than most in my Elecraft repair activities, but if
I find my screwdriver does not firmly hold a screw when the screwdriver
shaft is held horizontally, that tip is worn sufficiently that it should be
replaced.  I do not want to strip out the screwheads on my customer's
equipment.  In other words, do not use worn screwdriver tips and all should
be well.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/26/2012 5:46 PM, 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_DdMTjNZETYmy
> PJy0liipFm0?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).

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