Shoddy Hardware (Was: Re: WW fixtures (was Re: "New" PDP-8))

From: Don Maslin <donm_at_cts.com>
Date: Tue Apr 2 23:22:51 2002

On Tue, 2 Apr 2002, Douglas H. Quebbeman wrote:

> > > In the case of self-tapping screws it generally pervents the screw from
> > > starting a new thread (which, if done enough times means there's no
> metal
> > > left). In the case of large-diameter fine pitch threads (like lens
> > > retaining rings in cameras, OK, off-topic, but I can't think of such a
> > > thread in a computer), it helps prevent cross-threading.
> > >
> > > I assumed this trick was well-known, but perhaps not.
> > >
> > > -tony
> > >
> > Sheesh! I should have read one more message!
> >
> > - don
>
> I never am as clear in some of my posts as I'd like...
>
> The kind of screws I'm lamenting are cast, and cast poorly...
>
> I assume everyone knows what casting flash is... these screws
> have casting flash... when you thread them through, the sheet
> metal eats at the flash, and you get metal bits from that, and
> at the same time, the part of the flash that doesn't come off
> quickly reams the sheet metal to death.

It is also possible that they are stamped in ill-mating dies,
which could provide the same result.
                                                 - don

> *Buy* quality screws? There is an advertisement showing here
> in the U.S. Midwest for an office supply firm. The scene is
> set in a "typical" office... some shirts are having a meeting,
> when another shirt comes in and asks if "can we use the pen"?
>
> THE pen. The only pen in the office.
>
> When I need a screw for a PC, I typically have to find a PC
> from which to remove a screw. Everything ends up with half
> the screws it was designed to use.
>
> Now, we just bought 25 Dells that don't use very many screws.
>
> Where oh where will I get a screw when I need one?
>
> -dq
>
>
>
Received on Tue Apr 02 2002 - 23:22:51 BST