[Elecraft] K3S ground screw

[w1ie at jetbroadband.com]

Hello all,

Not to belabor the point of AI, but if you don't provide sufficient information, then AI will give you, what you think is incorrect return information. I give Microsoft Co Pilot the following query:
"What is the diameter, pitch, and length of the Elecraft K3S external earth ground screw?"

And it's answer was is:
The Elecraft K3S external earth ground screw is not explicitly detailed in the standard manuals or product documentation available online. However, based on typical amateur radio transceiver chassis grounding practices and user reports from Elecraft forums, the screw is most likely:

Diameter: #6-32 (approximately 3.5 mm)

Thread pitch: 32 threads per inch (standard for #6-32 screws)

Length: Typically 1/4" to 3/8" (6.35 mm to 9.5 mm), depending on the chassis thickness and whether a lug or ring terminal is used

This screw is usually located on the rear panel of the K3S and is intended for connecting a ground wire to reduce RF interference and improve safety.

If you're planning to replace or install a ground screw, I recommend using a stainless steel #6-32 machine screw with a star washer and ring terminal for secure contact. For absolute confirmation, you might want to check the K3S Assembly Manual or contact Elecraft support directly.

AI is pretty good but it depends upon how you word the question. I'm pretty sure that somewhere in the Elecraft's manuals there is a reference to a 4-40 screw and words to reflect a ground. Where I do not know unless AI grab the information about the areas on the K3 case which the builder has to be sure that is cleared of paint and/or masking before the builder screws in the 4-40 screws that hold the case together.


-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Greg Beat via Elecraft
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2025 12:22 PM
To: maxrcul at gmail.com
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S ground screw

The ground screw for the Elecraft K3S is a 4-40 (SAE) threaded screw. 
A 4-40 screw has a number 4 diameter and 40 threads per inch.

Although the exact length can vary depending on what you are connecting, the manuals (Elecraft) often refer to using 1/4" or 3/16" screws of this type for internal assembly. 
For a ground connection, you would use an appropriately sized lug and wire that matches the screw's thread (Elecraft #E770091)

Answered by: Gemini, Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI)
***
Assistance by W9GB, supplying e-mail ISP.

Elecraft P/N E770091 : 33 foot Ground Wire with Lug.
https://elecraft.com/products/e770091_e77009133-ground-wire-with-lug

==
Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2025 10:27:13 -0400
From: Bill DeVore <maxrcul at gmail.com>
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3S ground screw

Does anyone know the specs on the grounding screw? 
Dia, pitch and length? 
Bill - W3PNM
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