The hex nut and the damage done. Was: Re: [sdiy] mounting of miniature toggle switches

[Rob Mantel]

Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions.

I can't agree more with the people who stated good tools are very important
here, however in this case I wasn't talking about the tool scratching the
panel, but the hex nut itself doing the damage.

Most other people said it was best to tighten the nut at the back of the
panel, I guess I will have to look for a wrench small and thin enough to be
able to do that. But especially on crowded panels that definately won't be
easy. I would prefer not to use some kind of glue, too permanent.

I still think it would be much easier if there was just another flat washer
at the outside under the hex nut so you could just tighten the outside nut
with a hollow hex nut driver, so if anyone knows a source for little flat
washers with a hole of 1/4" and an outside size of about 3/8" please let me
know.

Again, thanks all, this list keeps amazing me, so many helpful people
together is almost unreal.

Rob

----- Original Message -----
From: <media.nai at rcn.com>
To: <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
Sent: Sunday, March 24, 2002 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: [sdiy] mouting of miniature toggle switches


>
> >One problem with this, when you tighten the hex nut at the
> >outside, how do you prevent it from damaging the panel?
>
> You could use a deep socket, but many deep sockets and box end wrenches
> won't fit over the bat. Just use an open end wrench, and hold it so that
it
> doesn't touch the panel.  Either that, or I don't get the question.
>
> You can buy dogbones in _any_ size (and I could elaborate on five systems
> of wrench sizes), in numerous lengths, with each head at a different
angle.
> You can get wrenches that are curved, offset, angled, extra thin, flange
> wrenches that have two more sides, "split box-ends", etc.
>
> You can also use plastic or soft-faced tools that can't scratch metal.  I
> frequently use the plastic "oversized handle" from a miniature nut driver
> set -- it fits perfectly over the nuts used on Switchcraft 1/4" jacks and
> won't scratch the panel.
>
> When dealing with any kind of fastener, the important thing is to buy
> quality tools built to close tolerances.  I've had foreign wrenches
> literally break in my hand, so you should pay attention to where in the
> world a wrench was made before you buy it.  Cheap wrenches are no bargain.
>
>
>