Fluke 45 handle repair - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2021, 07:28:17 pm
content: I bought a Fluke 45 off eBay. It was unusual as it had the handle and it was not damaged.Well, it was not damaged in the listing but the handle arrived broken due to the sellers totally crap packaging.Looking at the break, it's a very porous plastic. Almost granular which sparkles in direct light.Has anyone successfully repaired this type of handle.If so, what method/adhesive did you use.Unlike the 34401a there doesn't seem to be replacement (China) source for handles.Thanks!

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2021, 08:14:42 pm
content: You have to know witch platic type it is, and maybe some adhesive would be able to stick ??but i have some doubts, if you put some pressure on it while rotating the handle not sure it will hold? i think they kinda stretch outside the meter casing when you need to position the handle ?

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2021, 08:16:28 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on February 16, 2021, 08:14:42 pmIssue is whether I trust the repair. Maybe ok for the purposes of raising the angle of display but I doubt for carrying purposes.Stupid eBay sellers.[edit: I found a replacement handle on a different forum and bought it]

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2021, 11:59:19 pm
content: I would try drilling 2 small holes into the ends at the break on each side as best aligned as you can. This is so you can glue in 2 metal pins in for reinforcment, (small steel screws with the head cut off for example). Then using an epoxy such as 'JB weld plasticweld' to pot the pins in and glue the joint all at the same time. Don't forget to mask of before hand to keep the mess from spreading to far along the handle. Carefully shape after curing. Probably best to leave a decent amount around the joint to provide some strength. Hopefully it will be strong enoughUnfortunately it will never look pristine but if it makes it functional again that will sadly be the price to pay. Even after doing the above it still may not be strong enough and may need further additional bracing each side of the break. Good luck either way you go to fix, would be interested to see how you go with the repair.Just to note I have repaired a HP5314 and a R&S RF attenuator handle with the above method, but the plastic could be different.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2021, 12:26:45 am
content: Quote from: dorkshoei on February 17, 2021, 12:07:19 amThose are actually not easy to break! I hope the seller has compensated you.I believe it is the same as the 8840A/8842A series handles and this guy has some.https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-8840-Series-Handle-Light-Grey-NEW/173866256484?epid=1120842033&hash=item287b3c8864:g:sqAAAOSw4RZbHocs

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2021, 12:41:16 am
content: If it's broken in the middle of a straight section, I've repaired handles like that by slipping a long piece of heat shrink tubing over the handle and then shrinking it in place. The HS with the glue inside works best. The handle will still flex a bit at the break but the HS tubing will hold it in one piece and you can use it as a handle again.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2021, 01:07:51 am
content: Quote from: dorkshoei on February 17, 2021, 12:53:59 amI have a bunch of 8840A and 8842As roaming around here and I've seen both color handles on them. I think the early ones were brown and the later the lighter color. There's no part number on the handle itself and I can't find a light colored one right now. If you want, measure the handle as precisely as you can and I'll compare it to mine.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2021, 01:09:59 am
content: the ebay link seems the right handle, you're already in the usa, should be less than the posted shipping fee ??

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2021, 01:10:52 am
content: I already bought a replacement from a diff source. Cost me more but it's def the right part. Thanks for the help.