Share tips you have come across

allanhurst:
For inserting steel bolts a magnetised screwdriver or little magnet is handy.

For non ferrous a little blob of stiff grease...

Allan

Magnet :o :art:

Yes.

It's those damn little M1, M2 and 2-56 screws that are a pain for me.
Arthr in hands doesn't help. :frowning:

larryd:
It's those damn little M1, M2 and 2-56 screws that are a pain for me.
Arthr in hands doesn't help. :frowning:

Same here , neuropathy in the hands.
Tom.... :neutral_face:

Old age = Golden years :confused:

Many project plastic boxes have integrated mounting standoffs.
These are great as they provide mounting for PCBs without the need to drill through to the exterior.
A little preparation is necessary to use this kind of enclosure.

If you don't have the exact enclosure measurement:
On transparency mylar material, mark centers for standoff holes and cut to the final size for a mounting panel, if one is used.
Transfer the centers and outline to 1.5mm acrylic material, cut out this outline.
Transparency mylar
Hammon 1599 plastic enclosure
Hammond 1599 PDF

larryd:
Old age = Golden years

My brother points to all the white hair in his beard.
He asks "You know what this means?" and answers "Good Credit"

And partially back on topic: WOW @larryd, you have documented more tips and tricks than I will ever be fortunate enough to use. Great job!

He asks "You know what this means?" and answers "Good Credit"

And I'd add "Lower car insurance...."

And I'd like to add my thanks and amazement at the number and quality of clever tips - well done Larry.

Allan

Oh, I love this thread! :slight_smile:
I've set alerts on, so I don't miss any new post.
Thank you Larry for so many inspirations!

Appreciate the comments.
It’s great to have the opportunity to share things that necessity breeds.
As so many here do, I have always tried to share in the learning process.

Many of us have a collection of LED flashlights (guess it comes with the territory).
Use one of your flashlights as a spotlight for your work bench.
Old coat hanger spring steel wire is great for this project.
Silver solder a 1” washer to the end of twisted coat hanger wire, a good blowtorch is needed.
A 3/4” magnet keeps the light anchored to your 403 stainless-steel work surface.
Use the cable tie eyelet and a cable tie, to hold the flashlight to the fixture.

Cable tie nut

A length of surgical tubing pulled over the coat hanger wire finishes the assembly.

1 Like

Nice hack!

Did the flashlight really cook the ant?

No, just checking to see if anyone was paying attention. :wink:
You get +1

1 Like

larryd:
No, just checking to see if anyone was paying attention. :wink:
You get +1

haha. For a moment there I thought that's a cool photoshop trick, but wasn't sure.

Did you also arrange for a power supply for the flashlight or just rely to batteries?

Watcher:
Did you also arrange for a power supply for the flashlight or just rely to batteries?

I just rely on the batteries.
Rechargeable AAA battery X3, about 1/2 hour at low intensity (as seen in image).
Alkaline nearby for standby.

I find that a " permanent " dc supply is increasingly usefull on the workbench just like the mains outlets.
Just cant decide on the most useful voltage level to have around..5v, 12v...

I definitely like bench top supplies, some I use.

https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=445951.msg3167665#msg3167665

https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=446801.0

https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=444118.0

A good set of small wrenches is a must in an electronics work shop.
These are 'some' of my favourites:
Metric

SAE

4”

2.5”