Solved...... Need help finding an adjustment tool.  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 06, 2016, 10:22:26 pm
content: In the picture below you will see two adjustable coils a cap and a sub-miniature pot.The object of concern is the pot; I need the proper adjustment tool for said pot...Anybody have any idea where I can find this adjustment tool.A regular screw driver won't work

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 06, 2016, 10:33:38 pm
content: http://www.ebay.com/itm/221989710641

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 01:03:58 am
content: The screwdriver tip won't fit look again at the picture the adjustment part of the pot will not accept a flat blade.

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 01:13:29 am
content: Its hard to tell from the photo - are you saying the rectangular section is not a slot but rather is a raised ridge?If it turns easily, try getting a bamboo skewer and slot the end of it with a scalpel.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 01:22:02 am
content: Quote from: DTJ on April 07, 2016, 01:13:29 amThe round part in the center is raised and accepts a round tip.The slot on one side meets up with a blade attacked to the part that fits in the center. The outer ring moves not the center.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 01:25:01 am
content: So, you need a flat screwdriver without a center.Get an old flat blade jewellers screwdriver from your junk drawer, get a hacksaw, cut a slot in the middle of the screwdriver's blade, job done.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 01:28:09 am
content: Would a jeweller's screwdriver with a slot cut in the end to clear the centre 'pip' work? If so, its time to attack a dollar store screwdriver with a Dremel cutoff disk.Edit: looks like we have consensus.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 01:31:20 am
content: improvised alignment tools seldom work well, I shouldn't have to make it.On this forum someone should know what it is and where to get it.

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 01:50:51 am
content: I did a quick search around as you probably already have and couldn't find much at all in the way of dedicated tool sets other than what I have linked below, given the same task I would simply knock something up on the lathe or find a hollow plastic tube of the same diameter and put in a notch acting as a keyway, sorry I can't help more.http://www.tecratools.com/product1122.html

author: MarvinTheMartian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 02:06:55 am
content: Just do a search on "security screwdriver set" - there are plenty of these available online and at hardware & electronics store.I've attached a picture of part of my set and the bits that you are probably after (or are they too big? - hard to tell from your photo).Bit sizes shown are: 3, 4 and 6mm across.

author: fpliuzzi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 02:56:06 am
content: I know that you've said improvised alignment tools seldom work well, but in a pinch I have usedceramic tipped tweezersas a 'mini spanner wrench' to rotate tiny trimmers. The tweezer tips can be easily held to the necessary width to rotate the trimmer.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 03:32:07 am
content: Quote from: MarvinTheMartian on April 07, 2016, 02:06:55 amI have those bits and the small one might work in a pinch...I still want to see if someone has the tool...What sucks deeply is the people who make those surface mount pots don't make an adjustment tool.

author: MarvinTheMartian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 10:01:27 am
content: Quote from: AF6LJ on April 07, 2016, 03:32:07 amYes, I was thinking later, after I had posted my reply, that these may be on the large size.QuoteIndeed!Either they're thinking 'I'm right Jack, I've got my tool' or they expect you to return the unit for service (and not wanting you to do it!).If you can't find the right tool, I thinksleemanjandIan.M's solutions would work well without too much effort.Edit: Just found this tool (crap picture so I'm not positive it is what you want but you could contact them to find out).http://www.barnoelec.com/63doendhexto.html

author: rich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 10:11:34 am
content: I'm not sure I'm parsing the photo correctly, but don't you just need the negative impression of a regular flat bladed screwdriver? If so that seems common enough, I have at least one in my toolkit,and this trim kit has them:https://www.circuitspecialists.com/8pk-a001.html

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 10:17:07 am
content: Quote from: rich on April 07, 2016, 10:11:34 amBingo,richwins.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 10:18:21 am
content: If it's an inverted slot then maybe its intended to be adjusted with just your fingers.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 12:46:49 pm
content: Quote from: MarvinTheMartian on April 07, 2016, 10:01:27 amThanks; I'll check that out after I have had my morning coffee.... I'll post a drawing of the pot later, they sell them on Mouser among other places.

author: gfiber
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 03:22:24 pm
content: I have had sucess using a small flat blade screwdriver the fit on one side of the center of those pots. It can be a bit tedious but using that got the job done. Can't tell from the photo but some also have a small notch on the outside of the pot you can catch with the edge of a flat blade screwdriver.Gary K8IZ

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 03:28:43 pm
content: I may have no choice. I thought I could find those pots online but they seem to be a customized version that are not regularly for sale.

author: rich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 03:36:39 pm
content: was the kit I suggested not appropriate. I thought I'd nailed it

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 03:44:45 pm
content: Quote from: rich on April 07, 2016, 10:11:34 amThere is a blade needed to turn the pot however it is offset from the center and rotates around the indentation in the center of the pot.There is one in that kit that might work but I can't see it well enough to tell... it is the third tool from the left top row...

author: rich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 04:01:50 pm
content: Ah now I understand! This competition is harder to win than a keysight giveaway

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 04:17:02 pm
content: Quote from: rich on April 07, 2016, 04:01:50 pmI just want the proper alignment tool.I just thought about this. That could be a machine adjustable pot...

author: rich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 04:38:00 pm
content: So if it is machine adjustable, the correct alignment tool is an expensive machine... Sure you still want the proper tool?I have random fork ended tools in the garage but none would be classed as proper alignment tools. Found this for you from an electronics supplier, but, again it's not a proper alignment tool.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 04:40:41 pm
content: Surely you just need to cut a slot in the end of a bit of plastic rod?

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 04:49:16 pm
content: Quote from: rich on April 07, 2016, 04:38:00 pmThat is the wrong type of fork ended tool.One of those forks needs to be round the other needs to be screwdriver blade shaped and turned 90 degrees.

author: rich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 05:05:47 pm
content: Just when I think I have a grasp of the problem, I realise my mental model of the topology is flawed. I think I need to stop guessing until I see a higher res photo. It does feel like its heading into custom tool territory though.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 05:39:36 pm
content: Thanks to everyone for your replies.My initial problem was using an alignment tool with a blade that was too thick.Then i tried one that was too wide...After considerable digging I found I had the correct screwdriver blade alignment tool.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 06:06:53 pm
content: Doh!I wasn't even looking at the right part.

author: chris_leyson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 06:17:10 pm
content: I've got (or had) a few ceramic adjustment tools somewhere, two small flat blade and one with a tapered square section tip.The were for adjusting tiny trimmer caps. Can't remember where I bought them.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 06:23:25 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on April 07, 2016, 06:06:53 pmSue didn't make it clear she wanted a tool for the miniature presets.Second pic fixed that.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 07:13:50 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on April 07, 2016, 06:06:53 pmI am sorry I wasn't very Clear ....

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 07:31:00 pm
content: For something like that, which I only have to do once in a while, I take a sewing needle (plastic one) and use a needle file to get the right shape on the end. Place a small rubber sleeve on the end to grip with and you have the right tool. If I know I will need it in that particular place again I generally use some magic tape to stick it inside the case so I can use it again.Cheap and easy to make each time you need one.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 09:58:48 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on April 07, 2016, 07:31:00 pmThat works also in a pinch.

author: MarvinTheMartian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 11:00:58 pm
content: Quote from: AF6LJ on April 07, 2016, 03:44:45 pmThe second photo makes things much clearer - thanks.What a pain of a design!It appears that the whole top rotates when it is adjusted (I think you mentioned this somewhere earlier).So....We've been trying to find/work out a tool to fit inside - what about we flip that idea and rotate the pot from the outside edge with some fine pliers/tweezers? A bit more tricky but it might be simpler than trying to get/make the proper tool (if the whole mechanism rotates, making this possible).It all depends if you have a fine enough tool and you've got enough room to get it onto the pot (looks a bit tight from the original photo).

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2016, 06:55:09 pm
content: Don't they give out diddle sticks anymore? The red is a multi-hex and flat blade.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 09, 2016, 11:18:13 am
content: Not as much as they use to.