Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: spacelabstudio on December 29, 2013, 05:52:02 pm

Title: Non-marring socket drivers?
Post by: spacelabstudio on December 29, 2013, 05:52:02 pm

So, my wife got me a pretty nifty electric screwdriver for Christmas.  I'd like to be able to use it to mount pots and other panel mount items with hex nuts.  Getting hold of sockets that are long enough doesn't seem to be a problem, but I'd like to protect the finish.  Does anybody make non-marring versions, with like a rubber tip or insert or something?  What do you guys use?  Buy some silicone, dip some sockets in it, and let it cure?    (Hard to get inside dimensions right, there.)

Chris

Title: Re: Non-marring socket drivers?
Post by: stratele52 on January 03, 2014, 03:02:44 pm

IMO good quality socket won't scratch nut or panel . I use those at home

Title: Re: Non-marring socket drivers?
Post by: sluckey on January 08, 2014, 11:31:16 am

A piece of masking tape across the open end of the socket works very well for me. I just use a ≈2" piece of 3/4" wide tape. Center it on the end of the socket and fold up along the sides of the socket to hold in place. Then use a utility knife to cut out the hex profile. It took longer to write this than it takes to do it.

Using a flat washer under the nut usually prevents any marring if you are careful. Also, using 6 point sockets rather than 12 point sockets will prevent a lot of accidents caused by socket slippage.