[R-390] Bristol spline tool availability

[Roy Morgan]

At 01:58 PM 9/25/2007, Charles A Taylor wrote:
>At 11:36 PM 9/24/2007 -0500, you wrote:
>>McMaster-Carr has both flavors short and long. P/N 7049A31 is the long 3 
>>1/8 long six flute 0.096 "L"
>>
>>Hank
>>KN6DI
>
>Thank you, Hank!
>
>NOW does anyone know of an on-line source of the above hex wrenches?


I am about to lift the phone and call:

Max-Gain Systems:
http://www.mgs4u.com/Bristol-spline-L-keys.htm

to order some spline wrenches.  They have kits, and *apparently* also sell 
individual wrenches.  They have:
  L-wrenches in short and long
  Bristol spline screwdrivers (a straight bit mounted in a handle 
specifically made for that size bit.)
  at least four different kits of L-wrenches

The prices seem reasonable.  The kits are shown at:
http://www.mgs4u.com/Bristol-spline-hex-keys.htm

It would seem to me that for mounting a tool on an R-390A  you have, their 
long L-wrench is the thing:  S-096-6L

If you want to make your own authentic original looking tool, get some 
stainless rod, bend it, drill the end, and somehow mount a replacement bit 
from them for:

"The Bristol spline screwdrivers have replaceable bits, retained by a 
setscrew in the recess of a precision-machined bushing which is broached to 
the unique size and shape of the bit for positive, non-slip engagement. "

Another source is:
Newman Tools, Inc.:
http://www.newmantools.com/hand/splinekey.htm

Cooper Tools apparently supplies Xcelite sets to retailers:
Cooper Tools, Inc (Xcelite):
http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/xcelite/index.cfm

Mouser only lists ONE of the Xcelite bits as being available, all the 
others are called "obsolete":

These guys have what you may need:
McMaster Carr:
http://www.mcmaster.com/
search for: "Spline L-Key"
   10-Piece Short-Arm L-Key Set— Includes four-flute diameters 0.069" and 
0.076", plus six-flute diameters 0.060", 0.072", 0.096", 0.111", 0.133", 
0.145", 0.168", and 0.183". Packed in a plastic pouch.
  7048A55 Per Set  $13.08 (Sept '07)


NOTES:

1) max-Gain Systems sells genuine American made tools from the Bristol 
Wrench Company, apparently the originators or at least the most well known 
maker of these things.  (The Bristol Tool Company is a different place!)

http://www.bristolwrench.com/spline.pdf
Bristol Wrench Co.
P.O. Box 4317
Salem, OR 97302

Phone: 503-371-9655
Fax: 503-371-9662

2) The R-390 knobs take the .096 six flute spline wrenches.  The 75A-4 main 
tuning knob is different.  The HP signal generator I have takes very small 
sizes for the smallest knobs.  The SX-88 bandswitch and band switch knob 
take yet a different one.  Some of the SX-88 knobs use FOUR-flute wrenches, 
I think.


I will be able to report on Max-Gain in a little while.

Roy



- Roy Morgan, K1LKY since 1959 - Keep 'em Glowing
13033 Downey Mill Road, Lovettsville, VA 20180
Phone 540-822-5911   Cell 301-928-7794
Work: Voice: 301-975-3254,  Fax: 301-975-6097
roy.morgan at nist.gov --