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Electronics Repair (sci.electronics.repair) Discussion of repairing electronic equipment. Topics include requests for assistance, where to obtain servicing information and parts, techniques for diagnosis and repair, and annecdotes about success, failures and problems. |
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#41
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking,sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
"Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message ... Doug White wrote: For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip. One problem is that the #1 tip is very pointy, and I think it is bottoming out on some screws, which increases its tendency to slip. This accelerates the damage & makes it more likely to slip the next time. The #2 tip is definitely rounded and no where near as pointy. The #0 seems to have a some of the same issue, but not as pronounced. I'm going to have to replace the #1's (and may get another #0 as well), and was wondering if folks have a favorite brand that grips screws well and holds up better. I've had good luck with Wiha drivers in the past, but mostly for smaller stuff (jeweler's screwdriver size). Xcelite's quality dropped, after Cooper Tools bought them. Like every other brand that they've purchased. Like Weller soldering irons; I bought a new TCP-1 and the thermostat didn't last a month. They replaced the stat, no quibble - it lasted about a week. They also used thinner plating on the tips - they usually broke through on the bit inside the element barrel, the copper oxide would build up and seize it in solid. I switched to Antex because it was a cheap disposable item - it turned out to be better than Weller. |
#42
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking,sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
On 28/12/16 21:01, Benderthe.evilrobot wrote:
"Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message ... Doug White wrote: For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip. One problem is that the #1 tip is very pointy, and I think it is bottoming out on some screws, which increases its tendency to slip. This accelerates the damage & makes it more likely to slip the next time. The #2 tip is definitely rounded and no where near as pointy. The #0 seems to have a some of the same issue, but not as pronounced. I'm going to have to replace the #1's (and may get another #0 as well), and was wondering if folks have a favorite brand that grips screws well and holds up better. I've had good luck with Wiha drivers in the past, but mostly for smaller stuff (jeweler's screwdriver size). Xcelite's quality dropped, after Cooper Tools bought them. Like every other brand that they've purchased. Like Weller soldering irons; I bought a new TCP-1 and the thermostat didn't last a month. They replaced the stat, no quibble - it lasted about a week. They also used thinner plating on the tips - they usually broke through on the bit inside the element barrel, the copper oxide would build up and seize it in solid. I switched to Antex because it was a cheap disposable item - it turned out to be better than Weller. I always liked my Antex irons and much preferred them to Wellers irons. I think I've had one element fail and that was easily replaced at a reasonable price and the iron is still going. |
#43
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking,sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
"David Billington" wrote in message news On 28/12/16 21:01, Benderthe.evilrobot wrote: "Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message ... Doug White wrote: For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip. One problem is that the #1 tip is very pointy, and I think it is bottoming out on some screws, which increases its tendency to slip. This accelerates the damage & makes it more likely to slip the next time. The #2 tip is definitely rounded and no where near as pointy. The #0 seems to have a some of the same issue, but not as pronounced. I'm going to have to replace the #1's (and may get another #0 as well), and was wondering if folks have a favorite brand that grips screws well and holds up better. I've had good luck with Wiha drivers in the past, but mostly for smaller stuff (jeweler's screwdriver size). Xcelite's quality dropped, after Cooper Tools bought them. Like every other brand that they've purchased. Like Weller soldering irons; I bought a new TCP-1 and the thermostat didn't last a month. They replaced the stat, no quibble - it lasted about a week. They also used thinner plating on the tips - they usually broke through on the bit inside the element barrel, the copper oxide would build up and seize it in solid. I switched to Antex because it was a cheap disposable item - it turned out to be better than Weller. I always liked my Antex irons and much preferred them to Wellers irons. I think I've had one element fail and that was easily replaced at a reasonable price and the iron is still going. A company I worked for bought out a competitor and piled all the stuff they didn't want on the loading bay with a big sign; "help yourself" - I won a big box of Weller irons that someone had taken to bits. That kept me going a couple of decades and I even had a few spare to sell. I was cobbling together sometimes very old parts - that did nothing to prepare me for the non existent reliability of the iron produced since Weller became part of Cooper tools. |
#44
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking,sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
On 27/12/2016 6:04 AM, Doug White wrote:
For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip. One problem is that the #1 tip is very pointy, and I think it is bottoming out on some screws, which increases its tendency to slip. This accellerates the damage & makes it more likely to slip the next time. The #2 tip is definitely rounded and no where near as pointy. The #0 seems to have a some of the same issue, but not as pronounced. I'm going to have to replace the #1's (and may get another #0 as well), and was wondering if folks have a favorite brand that grips screws well and holds up better. I've had good luck with Wiha drivers in the past, but mostly for smaller stuff (jeweller's screwdriver size). Thanks! Doug White **Sunflag. Excellent drivers. I also have a couple of these: http://prohek.sell.everychina.com/p-...-s2-steel.html Made from S2 steel. VERY tough. -- Trevor Wilson www.rageaudio.com.au --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus |
#45
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking,sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
Mr.E wrote in
news On Mon, 26 Dec 2016 14:12:39 -0500, Michael Black wrote: On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote: For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip. Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips screw, called something else, so while nominally a Phillips fits it, it's not really a match? So either you can't open the screws, or it ruins the screwdriver in the process. This would probably be a "JIS" screw. I have some Vessel brand and Wiha drivers that fit them well. Well, I now have a set of Vessel JIS screwdrivers. They appear to be just as pointy as the Phillips drivers I have. I did some digging, and ran across a drwaing that compares JIS to Phillips: http://revlimiter.net/blog/wp-conten...post-297194-0- 10691700-1393492211.png The JIS appears to be pointier. However, I also found a photograph that compares the two: http://www.shop.shinhopples.com/imag..._comparison.jp g and that shows exactly the opposite. I think my conclusion is that nobody makes screws or screwdrivers with tight enough tolerances to be certain of anything. The advice to try different drivers until you find one that doesn't wiggle before you apply any force seems as good as it's going to get. I may also grind the tips back a bit on some of my pointier drivers. I still need to replace my Phillips #1's, and based on the various comments, I think I will try Wera or Wiha. Thanks for all the input & discussion. I'd forgotten all about Reed Prince, although I'm not sure I've ever run across any. Doug White |
#46
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking,sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
On Thu, 29 Dec 2016 02:56:53 GMT
Doug White wrote: snip Well, I now have a set of Vessel JIS screwdrivers. They appear to be just as pointy as the Phillips drivers I have. I did some digging, and ran across a drwaing that compares JIS to Phillips: http://revlimiter.net/blog/wp-conten...1393492211.png I would say they are mislabeled. The look correct if you reverse the labels. The JIS appears to be pointier. However, I also found a photograph that compares the two: http://www.shop.shinhopples.com/imag...comparison.jpg and that shows exactly the opposite. Those look like I would expect... I still need to replace my Phillips #1's, and based on the various comments, I think I will try Wera or Wiha. I don't think it pays to be a tool elitist anymore. Name Brands are churning out crap too. One year they selling something good, next year it isn't but looks EXACTLY the same. You should just stop into your preferred store, Menards, Home Depot, Lowes, Sears... and look over what they have. If you use it a short time and it seems to be okay go buy a spare If you have a company account you order through though... that's a different can of worms... -- Leon Fisk Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b Remove no.spam for email |
#47
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking,sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
Benderthe.evilrobot wrote:
"Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message ... Xcelite's quality dropped, after Cooper Tools bought them. Like every other brand that they've purchased. Like Weller soldering irons; I bought a new TCP-1 and the thermostat didn't last a month. They replaced the stat, no quibble - it lasted about a week. They also used thinner plating on the tips - they usually broke through on the bit inside the element barrel, the copper oxide would build up and seize it in solid. I switched to Antex because it was a cheap disposable item - it turned out to be better than Weller. Hmm, I use all Weller soldering irons. (Pace for desoldering.) I've been using the EC1302B iron for ages, works pretty well. I've moved up to the WSL station and WMP iron in the last couple years. Certainly heats up faster, not so sure the temperature control is as good, but it is good enough. One problem is if the plating breaks down on the EC1302B, the back of the tip can swell and jam it to either the temp sensor or heater, costing about $60 to repair the iron. The WMP seems to be immune from this. The tips seem to last about a year for me, which is really quite good enough. Jon |
#48
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking,sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
Doug White wrote:
I still need to replace my Phillips #1's, and based on the various comments, I think I will try Wera or Wiha. I have a number of Wiha drivers, and have been very happy with their fit and longevity. I don't use them for home construction projects, only for electronics, so they have seen a bit gentler service. Jon |
#49
Posted to sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
"Jon Elson" wrote in message ... Benderthe.evilrobot wrote: "Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message ... Xcelite's quality dropped, after Cooper Tools bought them. Like every other brand that they've purchased. Like Weller soldering irons; I bought a new TCP-1 and the thermostat didn't last a month. They replaced the stat, no quibble - it lasted about a week. They also used thinner plating on the tips - they usually broke through on the bit inside the element barrel, the copper oxide would build up and seize it in solid. I switched to Antex because it was a cheap disposable item - it turned out to be better than Weller. Hmm, I use all Weller soldering irons. (Pace for desoldering.) I've been using the EC1302B iron for ages, works pretty well. I've moved up to the WSL station and WMP iron in the last couple years. Certainly heats up faster, not so sure the temperature control is as good, but it is good enough. One problem is if the plating breaks down on the EC1302B, the back of the tip can swell and jam it to either the temp sensor or heater, costing about $60 to repair the iron. The WMP seems to be immune from this. The tips seem to last about a year for me, which is really quite good enough. Simple economics - I could buy a whole Antex iron for less than the cost of a replacement Weller element that was wrecked by dodgy plating on the bit. And the cost is a lot less frequent. |
#50
Posted to sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
On Mon, 26 Dec 2016 19:35:10 GMT, Doug White
wrote: - hide quoted text - David Billington wrote in news On 26/12/16 19:12, Michael Black wrote: On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote: For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip. Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips screw, called something else, so while nominally a Phillips fits it, it's not really a match? So either you can't open the screws, or it ruins the screwdriver in the process. Michael Are you thinking of a pozidrive screw, if so a Phillips screwdriver shouldn't be used. See http://bsfixings.uk/the-difference-b...and-pozi-screw and http://mechanics.stackexchange.com/q...it-a-bad-idea- to- use-a-pozidriv-screwdriver-on-a-phillips-head and others. They're commonly mistaken and the wrong drivers used with the wrong screw potentially damages both the driver and the screw. The screws I was working on this morning appear to be Phillips. At least there is no sign of the extra cross in the heads. I'm not sure how common Posi-Drive is these days. I tend to buy most of my hardware from McMaster Carr, and it's all regular Phillips. They don't even list Posi-Drive as an option, and they have quite a range of drive styles available. It's possible that I've run into some Posi-Drives in the past, Is the Posi slotted? or is it like a Phillips cross-shape or is it like an Allen square shape or a hex? but the vast majority of the screws I see these days are plain old Phillips. I think Xcelite just isn't very careful with shaping the points on their drivers. Either that, or the screw manufacturers are making a lot of "Phillips" screws with shallow sockets. Or both.. I was on a job site where woodscrews were being put in and taken out an awful lot. Screw guns with Phillips magnetic screw heads were being used, which would involve many more rotations than with a non-powered Phillips head (which would take longer without the drills magnetic screw attachment). Otherwise, the non-screw gun Phillips would look ten times more worthless having done even near as much as a Phillips magnetic attachment for a cordless drill. ' |
#51
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking,sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
Benderthe.evilrobot wrote:
"Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message ... Doug White wrote: For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip. One problem is that the #1 tip is very pointy, and I think it is bottoming out on some screws, which increases its tendency to slip. This accelerates the damage & makes it more likely to slip the next time. The #2 tip is definitely rounded and no where near as pointy. The #0 seems to have a some of the same issue, but not as pronounced. I'm going to have to replace the #1's (and may get another #0 as well), and was wondering if folks have a favorite brand that grips screws well and holds up better. I've had good luck with Wiha drivers in the past, but mostly for smaller stuff (jeweler's screwdriver size). Xcelite's quality dropped, after Cooper Tools bought them. Like every other brand that they've purchased. Like Weller soldering irons; I bought a new TCP-1 and the thermostat didn't last a month. They replaced the stat, no quibble - it lasted about a week. They also used thinner plating on the tips - they usually broke through on the bit inside the element barrel, the copper oxide would build up and seize it in solid. I switched to Antex because it was a cheap disposable item - it turned out to be better than Weller. I still have a couple SP23 irons, and several of the '60s version of the 8200 guns. I wore out the internal threads on one SP23, that I bought in 1970. Someone in the base's welding shop gave me some scrap welding rods, so I saw, filed and tapped the brass to make my own tips. They outlasted the plated copper tips. I also have one of the SP series that's 175 watts. I have some Xcelite tools from the '60s & 70s as well. I would have more, but someone broke into my service truck decades go and took most of my tools. I have one of the early 99SM kits, that was given to me by a friend while I was in the Army. He laughed and gave me the sealed package, then he said that he had watched me fix everything at the radio & TV station with almost no tools for a full year, so he wanted to make sure I had a nice set when I got home a week later. I've had it for 42+ years, and I wore out the two hand reamers. -- Never **** off an Engineer! They don't get mad. They don't get even. They go for over unity! ;-) |
#52
Posted to sci.electronics.repair
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Best Phillips Screwdrivers?
On Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 2:20:12 PM UTC-5, Michael Terrell wrote:
Doug White wrote: For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip. One problem is that the #1 tip is very pointy, and I think it is bottoming out on some screws, which increases its tendency to slip. This accelerates the damage & makes it more likely to slip the next time. The #2 tip is definitely rounded and no where near as pointy. The #0 seems to have a some of the same issue, but not as pronounced. I'm going to have to replace the #1's (and may get another #0 as well), and was wondering if folks have a favorite brand that grips screws well and holds up better. I've had good luck with Wiha drivers in the past, but mostly for smaller stuff (jeweler's screwdriver size). Xcelite's quality dropped, after Cooper Tools bought them. Like every other brand that they've purchased. Huh, well that explains it. I bought a new pair of diagonal cutters from xcelite and was unimpressed with the quality. (I nicked off the end cutting out some dip leads.) George H. -- Never **** off an Engineer! They don't get mad. They don't get even. They go for over unity! ;-) |
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