[Elecraft] Problem with a K3 screw - suggestions needed

[Tom H Childers]

Good advice Don.

Another thing that will destroy Phillips head screws is the use of a
reed and prince screw driver, so verify that you are REALY using a
Phillips screw driver.

The very tip of a Phillips screw driver is blunt, not sharp, but a
reed and prince screw driver (which looks very much like a Phillips)
is sharp on the tip and will not seat completely in a Phillips screw,
thus slipping and destroying the socket.

Beware when buying inexpensive screw drivers that are call Phillips
screw drivers.  Check the tip and make sure it's not sharp.

73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member

On Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:15:05 -0500, Don Wilhelm
<w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:

>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_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).
>
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73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member