[Elecraft] KX3 Kit Builder Alert #1: Battery holder attachment screws

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Rick, the holder I have are soft enough that the screw will sink down into
the plastic without actually countersinking the holes, but I wouldn't
hesitate to do so. Even reaming a bit with a Phillips screwdriver should
remove enough plastic. 

73, Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rick Dettinger
Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2013 3:37 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Kit Builder Alert #1: Battery holder attachment
screws

I experienced a "hot" cell when I loaded Lithium cells into my new KX3 kit.
I thought that it might have been caused by the cell shorting at the spring.
I removed the cells and used my station supply until I could get some
rechargeable cells.  
I saw the subject "Alert" and checked my hold down screws and found that
they did "stand proud" and protrude above the base.  I thought that the
screws were too long, but when I removed them, I noticed that the holes in
the battery holder were not countersunk for the flat head screws, and this
was what was keeping the screw heads from being flush with the holder.  The
heads is quite sharp, and may have been cutting into the cells.  I also
noticed that I had difficulty getting the two halves of the radio to come
together completely .  I thought that the cells were over size, but now I
think that they weren't lying against the base of the holder.  I am thinking
that I should countersink the holes, but wanted to check what others had
experienced.

Thanks,
Rick Dettinger  K7MW