I had sent this direct to Brett, but thought perhaps useful for the group
regarding the various issues you mentioned, some suggestions:
1. get new, good-quality screwdrivers (sounds like you are doing that)
- this is really important
- very small screws, fine threads, etc.
2. get replacement h/w for any dubbed-over, stripped, suspect screws
- these are inexpensive, will allow for ease of insertion/tightening
3. open up, examine in and around any failing standoffs, replace as needed.
These are aluminum, can gall/strip if used too many times or excessive
torque applied, etc. When they are fouled, tend to jam up when screw
inserted/turned, causing more torque, more spinning, etc. They are
inexpensive, so just replace them.
4. *don't use the locktite*. this only seizes that board-side screw into
the aluminum standoff, but doesn't help with its clamping to the board. It
makes any future repair well-nigh impossible, and It can also possibly
squeeze out and get between the board land and the standoff, causing
connectivity/grounding issues.
If the standoff is spinning, that indicates that :
- original tightening was insufficient, or that
- too much torque is needed or was applied, or
- the star washer between standoff and board is fouled, and/or
- the 'land' on the board for the star washer is being eroded, or that
- the tapped threading on the cover-side of the standoff is fouled
I'd just replace any standoffs that are having issues.
5. *do not over torque the hardware.*
this is really important -- overdoing it leads to all the above issues.
6. when replacing covers, just lightly insert/turn screws in all holes
- spin screw backwards until you hear/feel the 'click' of the screws
- this indicated that they are properly seating into the mating threads
- then go-round in diagonal pattern gradually pulling them down
- somewhat like the torquing sequence for an engine head
gentleness is key
I like Don's suggestion of small lubricant. Haven't tried it but may !
As an aside, I too had an issue with the lower front bottom panel.
Just one of the standoffs (back center).
I had to open the top, grip the standoff with a pair of curved beak
long-nose-pliers and tighten down a bit more to get better friction with
motherboard.
Then carefully insert the screw into the bottom panel hole, etc.
It still would not fully seat (probably because I'd fouled the standoff
thread), so I put a small washer between the screw head and the panel (on
outside of panel) so to get a good seating.
All that (on my part) due to my "over-doing" the original tightening.
I think I will have to go in and replace that standoff though.
Live and learn, HI
--
thanks and 73's
Tom Kenville -- W6TJK
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