What size flat head screwdriver for trimpots? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2021, 07:39:45 pm
content: This seems like a silly question, but what size flat head screwdriver works with trim pots? I've tried every damn screwdriver in my house, including one from a Christmas cracker, but they're all too thick. I looked through a datasheet I found but I couldn't see an sizing information, unless I missed it.

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2021, 07:43:36 pm
content: I like these:https://www.amazon.com/GC-ELECTRONICS-8608-TOOLS-piece/dp/B00DJS6WR0/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=electronic+alignment+tools&qid=1638042049&sr=8-5One end goes over the extended adjustment screw on small trimmers (pots) and its collar keeps it engaged. The other end is handy too.

author: PartialDischarge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2021, 07:49:10 pm
content: That depends. Most can be adjusted with tools like H-90 from Bourns or ACCTRITOB308 from vishay.The smallest ones require for example a Wera 118002, 1.5x0.23mm flat head

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2021, 08:17:15 pm
content: Quote from: YurkshireLad on November 27, 2021, 07:39:45 pmAmazing! It IS a silly question. Cut the tapered end off a toothpick and whittle the sides to make an appropriate screwdriver. Or, buy a set of "jeweler's" screwdrivers. The toothpick has the advantage of being non-magnetic. I am sure you can buy a special tool on Amazon or eBay.

author: CaptDon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2021, 08:34:49 pm
content: As another has said, nearly any set of 'Jewler's screwdrivers' has a size that works, also some of the 'eye glass repair' kits have a little screwdriver that fits. If the trimpot is within a high voltage cage such as the beam adjustment on Tektronix scopes and others you MUST use a plastic shank screwdriver or risk blowing up the entire blanking/high voltage section of the scope!! I fixed a few that got killed in that manner although the owners would never admit to it. In a couple cases the C.R.T. was also damaged!!

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2021, 04:39:05 am
content: Search for "ceramic screwdriver" on aliexpress / ebay.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2021, 06:33:11 am
content: There is little to no standardization for flat screwdrivers (or there are so many standards that they're meaningless), so your best bet is to get a decent assortment of screwdrivers.For general purpose small work I like the 4mm bits because you can store a lot of them in a small space.Ceramic screwdrivers are also nice. They're non conductive and non-magnetic, and that makes them a great choice for trimming in high voltage areas or for adjustable inductors. Their extreme hardness also makes them wear resistant and they can take a lot of abuse when used as chisels or scrapers.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2021, 06:48:39 am
content: If the smallest common/hardware store screwdriver doesn't do it, then a jeweller's set, or the plastic or ceramic types specific to electronics, will do.I have a ready supply of the latter (plastic handle) because they come for free with scope probes...Tim