[Elecraft] Problem with a K3 screw - suggestions needed

[Ian White GM3SEK]

In Europe, make sure you are not using a Pozidriv screwdriver.

A Pozidriv #1 screwdriver will kind-of work with the Phillips screws in 
the K3... right up to the moment when a screw gets stuck. Beyond that 
moment, a Pozidriv screwdriver is very likely to do damage.

Even with a good-quality Phillips #1 driver, my 700-series K3 is now on 
its second set of case screws. The originals were worn out by opening up 
the K3 to show it to people :-)


73 from Ian GM3SEK
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek


Tom H Childers wrote:
>
>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_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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