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

From: Richard Erlacher <edick_at_idcomm.com>
Date: Wed Apr 3 09:08:56 2002

If your screws aren't 6x32's already, the easiest and probably most practical
thing to do is get a 6x32 roll-tap, and "fix" the application so you can get
the "right" screws whenever you need.

Dick

----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Maslin" <donm_at_cts.com>
To: "ClassicCmp List" <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2002 10:22 PM
Subject: Re: Shoddy Hardware (Was: Re: WW fixtures (was Re: "New" PDP-8))


>
>
> 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 Wed Apr 03 2002 - 09:08:56 BST