[Elecraft] KPA1500 Wing Nut Replacement

[Jim N7US]

That's nicer than my solution, which was to set the back of the amplifier on
a temporary spacer (a thin book?) and remove the spacer after tightening the
wing nut and plugging in the power cord.

Jim N7US

-----Original Message-----

I usually struggle to reinstall the wing nut on the KPA1500 ground stud
because there is so little room underneath the cooling fans for your
fingers.

I decided to replace it with a brass knurled "thumb nut" which leaves a bit
more room.  Before / after photos here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jVY2uYecP6a3VuGk7

This is an #8-32 brass knurled "cap nut" (sic), Lowe's Item #137190
<https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-2-Count-8-Brass-Standard-SAE-Cap-Nuts/3012
498>
(widely available from other sources too).  One nice thing about the Lowe's
web site:  they display the aisle and shelf where you can find it at your
local store, a cool feature that other brick and mortar stores should copy.
Select your local store at the top.

Pros of thumb nut vs. wing nut:  easier to start and remove, looks nice
Cons:  can't tighten it as much as the wing nut without pliers, and it rolls
under the amp easily if you drop it.

73,
Bob, N6TV