[sdiy] special tightening tools?

[KA4HJH]

><rant>
>Years ago (around 20, come to think of it), I used a nice set of Xcelite
>hollow-shaft nutdrivers owned by my employer. They had nice, smooth,
>polished ends and would certainly not scratch a panel.

This is *precisely* what you want for this job. I have my set.

>A few years ago when I got into synth building in a serious manner I ordered
>a set of Xcelite hollow-shaft nutdrivers, specifically for mounting pots and
>switches on panels. The tools I received were not nearly as nicely made. The
>ends were flat, not particularly polished, and had a sharp corner. I didn't
>notice how badly made they were until I mounted the first pot on a MOTM
>panel with one and put a substantial scratch in the panel. (Fortunately the
>knob hides it.) Yes, there was a washer behind the nut, but the diameter and
>shaping of the nut driver is such that it still scratched the panel.
>
>I tried to smooth the end with a diamond sharpener but couldn't produce a
>useful polish. I gave up and put tape over the end.
>
>It was a frustrating and disappointing experience, and pretty much soured me
>on the Cooper/Xcelite brand name.
></rant>

Why doesn't this surprise me? Note also that good ones used to have
color-coded handles so you could tell them apart at a glance. Another
must-have feature.

One other thing--don't use a pair of pliers you care about for this. By the
time you've tightened the first nut you've ruined the box joint.

-- 

Terry Bowman, KA4HJH
"The Mac Doctor"