I"m glad to read that you are making progress. A number 6 screw seems large for a meter. 8 is the next standard size, I don't think I've ever seen a #7 in real life. Number 8 is usually 8-32 but 8-36 fine thread also exists.
I'm with simon7000 on this. Very probably 6-32, but I normally see 4-40 used (smaller).
Good going on the solvent. I normally use lacquer thinner on this stuff and it works well. The sticking meter could be the scale coming away from the meter back and touching the needle, or the needle could be slightly warped. Rarely, it could be the movement. Try everything else first, then soften the bond on the bearing screw and slightly back it off. They are a tiny nut on a grub screw. Very slightly! The tension spring is also attached here, so this is a last resort. A meter specialist would be best for this work. Look for instrument repair people to find a good one.
I'm wishing you good luck on this. I have had to work on a few meters. Not fun (for me anyway).
-Chris
Good going on the solvent. I normally use lacquer thinner on this stuff and it works well. The sticking meter could be the scale coming away from the meter back and touching the needle, or the needle could be slightly warped. Rarely, it could be the movement. Try everything else first, then soften the bond on the bearing screw and slightly back it off. They are a tiny nut on a grub screw. Very slightly! The tension spring is also attached here, so this is a last resort. A meter specialist would be best for this work. Look for instrument repair people to find a good one.
I'm wishing you good luck on this. I have had to work on a few meters. Not fun (for me anyway).
-Chris
Fab
Thanks, more excellent advice. Looking back at the picture, OP, the screw hoiding the switch assembly looks the same size as this meter screw. That's an optical illusion, in reality the meter one is thicker. It looks the same as the 4 screws that hold the front panel on. EDIT, I just tried one of my 6-32 Hex nuts on the switch screw. Confirmed, 6-32. The threads look simiar, so I suspect I need an 8-32.
I will go back to my supplier on Monday.
Thanks, more excellent advice. Looking back at the picture, OP, the screw hoiding the switch assembly looks the same size as this meter screw. That's an optical illusion, in reality the meter one is thicker. It looks the same as the 4 screws that hold the front panel on. EDIT, I just tried one of my 6-32 Hex nuts on the switch screw. Confirmed, 6-32. The threads look simiar, so I suspect I need an 8-32.
I will go back to my supplier on Monday.
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I can put a few in the post for you if you want. I'd use "jam" nuts as they are thinner and so two might fit on that shaft better than the usual thick ones.
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
No size 7. 8-32 probably. Although meter screws could be 10-24 or 10-32. Easy to check by comparing to the 6-32 you already have.
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Tx for the kind offer to post WntrMute2. I must fill in my profile properly, I'm in Cork Ireland! My local supplier is called Quality Electronic Fasteners, so I am hopeful for tomorrow. Luckily there is enough shaft free for two nuts.
Hi Ed,
8-32 for sure I would think. These aren't the electrical connections to the meter I don't think. Those are typically brass and 10-32 or 8-32 as you pointed out.
Hi SoundSound,
Jam nuts should work great. Lacquer thinners should soften the coating enough to make that job a lot easier.
Good luck!
8-32 for sure I would think. These aren't the electrical connections to the meter I don't think. Those are typically brass and 10-32 or 8-32 as you pointed out.
Hi SoundSound,
Jam nuts should work great. Lacquer thinners should soften the coating enough to make that job a lot easier.
Good luck!
Kind
I am still kind of gobsmacked at generosity of spirit here. Warm thanks.
I finally sourced some strong acetone. Cotton buds, then cocktail sticks to pick into the threads. Finally got them out. Cleaned to shiny for the return journey. The Meter coil is off centre. Just like a loudspeaker coil. Slight contact. Maybe a Watch Repair person? Or anyone here know if these can be recentred?
I am still kind of gobsmacked at generosity of spirit here. Warm thanks.
I finally sourced some strong acetone. Cotton buds, then cocktail sticks to pick into the threads. Finally got them out. Cleaned to shiny for the return journey. The Meter coil is off centre. Just like a loudspeaker coil. Slight contact. Maybe a Watch Repair person? Or anyone here know if these can be recentred?