Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: worth on September 05, 2011, 07:36:08 am

Title: which tool ?
Post by: worth on September 05, 2011, 07:36:08 am: What do you guys use to tighten that round knurled ring on Carling toggle switches ?
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: Cathode_ray on September 05, 2011, 07:40:40 am: Masking tape on the jaws of pliers - and caution!
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: worth on September 05, 2011, 07:42:53 am: There must be a specialized tool for that ring ?
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: jojokeo on September 05, 2011, 08:06:09 am: I usually put them on the backside and use the hexagon nut on the faceplate, to me no biggie. But, you can use a couple of different tools w/ caution. Also, Stew-Mac has a few items you might find that work? http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Wrenches/ESP_Multi_Spanner.html (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Wrenches/ESP_Multi_Spanner.html)
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for_Electronics,_pickups/Adjustable_Toggle_Switch_Wrench.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=6929 (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for_Electronics,_pickups/Adjustable_Toggle_Switch_Wrench.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=6929)
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: John on September 05, 2011, 08:08:52 am: What I did, was to tighten the hex nut from the back with a wrench. The knurled ring won't turn on you, and you can get the switch nice and snug that way.
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: worth on September 05, 2011, 08:14:43 am: Yeah.. I have been putting the ring in the back too , but I think it would look nicer in the front.
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: worth on September 05, 2011, 08:18:17 am: That StewMac adjustable switch wrench looks perfect.. thanks.
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: sluckey on September 05, 2011, 08:44:06 am: Quote
That StewMac adjustable switch wrench looks perfect.. thanks.
Agreed! I've never seen that tool before, but I'm gonna get one. Thanks jojokeo.
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: TubeGeek on September 05, 2011, 01:30:37 pm: Quote from: worth on September 05, 2011, 08:18:17 am
That StewMac adjustable switch wrench looks perfect.. thanks.

Sweet! I have to get one too. :worthy1:
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: kagliostro on September 05, 2011, 02:00:43 pm: actually ever seen and certainly to have

Kagliostro
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: FYL on September 05, 2011, 02:17:09 pm: Quote
What do you guys use to tighten that round knurled ring on Carling toggle switches ?

A hammer. And for 15A models a sledgehammer.
:angel
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: DummyLoad on September 05, 2011, 03:47:35 pm: pliers w/ sides of jaws taped. sometimes w/ a bit a blue locktite.
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: jjasilli on September 05, 2011, 04:39:58 pm: I have "compromised" and put the ring nut over a hex nut.
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: HotBluePlates on September 07, 2011, 04:53:39 pm: Quote from: sluckey on September 05, 2011, 08:44:06 am
Quote
That StewMac adjustable switch wrench looks perfect.. thanks.
Agreed! I've never seen that tool before, but I'm gonna get one. Thanks jojokeo.

The tool that Stew-Mac sells is the exact tool that I used to install toggle switches when I worked in the Gibson factory. If you're in a situation where a lip on the amp chassis prevents you from grabbing the inside hex nut with standard pliers, that tool is the only sure way not to booger up the fancy nut.
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: eleventeen on September 08, 2011, 09:23:57 am: In a previous life I took a Taiwanese open-end wrench and ground it down so that the two "prongs" that grab the nut are only about 3/32" thick. You have to be fairly careful not to chamfer (eg; round) the opening...that has to kept as sharp as possible...and you have to not allow the wrench to heat up too much during the grinding process or you'll anneal it and it will get a lot softer. If there's a special tool for this that gets around the lip found on many amp chassis and you need this tool more than once or twice, I'd pop for it. (Haven't seen the Stew-Mac tool)
Title: Re: which tool ?
Post by: ThermionicEngine on September 10, 2011, 11:08:59 pm: I use both iterations of the StewMac tool. I like the newer one with the adjustable collar best. The older tool does wear out (nylon or plastic molded tool).