How do you turn your smallest pots? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 06:53:33 am
content: I am trying to turn a very small pot for a LED voltmeter:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/5PCS-LOT-Free-shipping-New-0-28-Super-Mini-Digital-Red-Led-Display-Voltmeter-DC-3/1940763031.htmlThe smallest Philips I have is 000 but it does not work. Maybe because it is too pointy so it cannot go in. Maybe a flat blade but I do not have one small enough.In the pic the pot is a little left of center. The long edge of the meter is 1 1/8 "My guess this is the smallest adjustable pot?Sorry I do not have a microscope.Any cheap tools out there?thanks

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 06:56:02 am
content: Usually I used toothpick with the tip shaped and sharpened to fit at the pot, and disposable too.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 07:01:10 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on January 11, 2018, 06:56:02 amThanks - tomorrow I will get some and give it a try

author: Calambres
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 08:42:23 am
content: I've got a couple of those mini voltmeters. I use the trimmer screwdriver that comes with the scope probes. Fits perfectly.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 09:13:09 am
content: Go to your local grocery store or a Walmart and get aneye-glasses repair kitusually around $1 to $2. Besides a magnifying glass and tiny eye-glass screws, it will also have avery tiny screw driverincluded. Note that some are phillips, some are flat-blade, and some have both. So you have to make sure you get the right kit.Grocery stores in my area usually kept them by the check-out lines.

author: Performa01
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 09:22:21 am
content: Go to e.g. amazon and search for "watch screwdriver" - tons of choicesThey can be had as flat blade, Phillips, Torx, and there are complete sets to cover just about everything.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 08:18:04 pm
content: Usually I end up trimming the end of a plastic tuner tool with a razor knife. Trimming the end of a bamboo chopstick also works.

author: HalFET
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 08:33:20 pm
content: I use an ultra thin ceramic screw driver

author: GeorgeOfTheJungle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 08:37:32 pm
content: https://google.com/search?q=trimpot+adjustment+tool

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 08:41:15 pm
content: https://www.vishay.com/docs/57015/8.pdf

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 08:44:05 pm
content: Quote from: HalFET on January 11, 2018, 08:33:20 pmI never heard of ceramic screw drivershttps://smile.amazon.com/Anti-static-Ceramic-Adjust-Frequency-Screwdriver/dp/B01LLA5H14/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1515702973&sr=8-4&keywords=ceramic+screwdriverJust to let others know I have several sets of jewelers screwdrivers and none work.Here are the specs for this set:-8pcs Screwdriver Model number and type:034A -0.4X0.9034B -0.4X1.3034C -0.4X1.8034D -0.4X2.0034E -0.4X2.4034F -0.7X2.5034G +PHO034H +PH1.7My problem is I do not know what these numbers mean? But as a guess the first one might be the smallest one and I guess it is flat and 0.9 mm wide. I think this size might work. I have no idea what the last two are.Going to the store now and look for flat toothpicks.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 08:47:47 pm
content: Quote from: ez24 on January 11, 2018, 08:44:05 pmYep, blade thickness and width.PH will be Phillips of some sort.

author: tkamiya
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2018, 02:02:29 am
content: If you still have Sears stores near by, they have a set of very small screw drivers. It has a blue base with clear transparent top. One handle and 8 blades or something rather. The smallest one is much smaller than eyeglass kit kind. It's all metal so that may be a problem for this project.I would probably grind my own with something plastic.

author: jh15
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2018, 02:45:32 am
content: You NEED to have the correct tongue angle... geeeze!

author: tpowell1830
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2018, 02:52:29 am
content: Hi ez24, I have always used these.http://www.newark.com/bourns/h-90/adjustment-tool-trimming-pot/dp/12F9866I keep many around my workbench. Hope this helps.Edit: I have always called them tweakers.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2018, 02:56:57 am
content: I have trimmed bamboo skewers for the purpose. They are tough enough to provide the torque. Non-magnetic and non-conductive. And much less trimming required than starting with a chopstick. And since they come in packs of roughly 100 a great excuse for kebabs.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2018, 03:05:49 am
content: I've saved my diddle sticks. Sales reps used to hand out this sort of bling.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2018, 03:57:02 am
content: I would also suggest getting some magnification - loupe, magnifying glass, whatever.I have been confused on some of these small pots/caps and was seeing a pair of alignment notches in the housing as part of the adjustment slot. For some reason I couldn't get the housing to turn.Once you can see it clearly you can select or make the appropriate size and type of twiddler and make sure you are lined up with it.