I have one magnetized and one not. I remember to wipe off the metal bits before using the magnetized one ;-) I do find it makes installing some of the screws easier, such as the one holding the corner of the KANT3 or KAT3 board, the screws securing the stiffener to the KPA3 shield or the screws securing the KPA3 module. Not only does it hold the screw, it holds the lock washer *on* the screw while it's being installed.
I also have a strong magnet on a pen-sized barrel that is wonderful for retrieving a washer or nut that falls inside the rig. It even helps find one by simply waving it around until the missing part jumps out from behind something. But it's also a nuisance if I lay it near the hardware. Instantly I have an ungainly glob of nuts, washers and screws stuck on the end of the thing. Like a sharp knife, success is all in how it's used. After working around magnetic disk and tape recording equipment for a number of years, it took me a while to "relax" having a magnetized tool on the bench. They were dangerous and destructive around any magnetic media gear! I still keep the magnetized stuff separate. Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2008 8:32 AM To: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 kit Jim, That is one point where we differ. I do not want a magnetic tip on my workbench - anywhere. It attracts things like cutoff leads and is just a nuisance to me. I do like the magnetic driver insert tips (and a power driver) for my woodworking activities, but not for electronic assembly. A *good* phillips screwdriver will hold a screw sufficiently with a finger held lightly against the screw head. For those 'long reach' places, I move the assembly so the screwdriver remains horizontal and the screw does not fall off. Different strokes for different folks. 73, Don W3FPR Jim Brown wrote: > On Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:22:20 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > >> Your DMM and a *good* phillips screwdriver >> > > You really want one with a magnetic tip > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
