When I first started, I would often use pliers to tighten pot nuts, 3pdt nuts, switch nuts, etc...(I'm sure we have all been there at some point). Of course, this is prone to marring your finish, slipping off the nut, and leaving scratch marks.
I then started to use my tools from the garage but it was always a pain sharing between the two and keeping track of where my sockets and ratchet were..
I contemplated getting a deep well nutdriver set but they are usually pricey, plus I don't need a whole set..just 4 common sizes. Combination wrenches would work too, but are not as fast as a screwdriver handle.
A few months ago, I found the perfect affordable solution. I went to my local cheap Chinese tool store (Harbor Freight Tools) and got a color coded deep well socket set (mm) like this (about $10USD):
(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_22311.jpg)
Paired with a 1/4" screwdriver-handled driver like this (about $5usd) ...they make a beautiful team. Mine is similar (not telescoping) but you get the idea.
(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_14245.jpg)
I keep 4 of these color coded sockets and the handle close by on my bench (which fit 16mm pots, 1/4" jacks, 3PDT, and toggles) and its super easy to remove/tighten any pedal hardware. The color coded sockets are sweet because its easy to know that green=pots and so forth. I wish I did this a couple years ago but I figured I would share with you, in case you don't have a dedicated set. :)
I'm curious for those who already have a dedicated set of tools, are you using the same? What is your tool of choice?
I'm fortunate. When I got married, I got to use some the the gift cards to get some tools. I got a massive tool set including a full set of both Metric and Imperial sockets in multiple sizes and depths with tonnes of extras from Sears. The Craftsman warranty is awesome.
I don't have a garage, so I keep a fully stocked toolbox with drawers in my workspace.
I keep the 4-6 sizes I use the most on my desk in front of me.
Jacob
I use this for everything (metric, standard, whatever you got):
(http://www.tooldex.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/img_CO3-FR28SMP_1.jpg)
I use the extended socket nut drivers as well. BUT, this simple little spanner wrench is always in my shop apron and will quickly tighten any pedal/amp/guitar nut without any marring. I can't live without it
I use deep sockets too, but I also use this. I bought it for guitar jacks because you can tighten the jack from the outside without it spinning. I found it's handy to keep at the bench for jacks. It's plastic so it won't ever mar and it's just quick and easy to use. I use internal tooth washers on jacks so I don't really need this to keep them from spinning but it's still what I grab when I install jacks.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/allparts-bullet-guitar-jack-tightener
This is great guys, keep it coming! I appreciate you sharing your 'weapon of choice' when it comes to tightening nuts. The ESP spanner and Crescent adjustable are on my short list to try out.
While I do like Snap-On tools....having a Craftsman tool in your box means you can always get a free replacement, even on a Sunday afternoon in the event one ever breaks on you. Snap-On makes great stuff, but if you break one on a weekend...you gotta chase the Snap-On guy down to get a replacement. Craftsman will always have a place in my tool arsenal.
Quote from: pryde on February 17, 2014, 09:15:27 PM
I use the extended socket nut drivers as well. BUT, this simple little spanner wrench is always in my shop apron and will quickly tighten any pedal/amp/guitar nut without any marring. I can't live without it
Hey Pride! it looks quite handy this one!
i want one!!!!!!!!
Quote from: Gledison on February 17, 2014, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: pryde on February 17, 2014, 09:15:27 PM
I use the extended socket nut drivers as well. BUT, this simple little spanner wrench is always in my shop apron and will quickly tighten any pedal/amp/guitar nut without any marring. I can't live without it
Hey Pride! it looks quite handy this one!
i want one!!!!!!!!
Here you go. Might be cheaper elsewhere but I shop stewmac for most of my luthier supplies
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Wrenches/ESP_Multi_Spanner.html
Quote from: pryde on February 17, 2014, 10:21:24 PM
Quote from: Gledison on February 17, 2014, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: pryde on February 17, 2014, 09:15:27 PM
I use the extended socket nut drivers as well. BUT, this simple little spanner wrench is always in my shop apron and will quickly tighten any pedal/amp/guitar nut without any marring. I can't live without it
Hey Pride! it looks quite handy this one!
i want one!!!!!!!!
Here you go. Might be cheaper elsewhere but I shop stewmac for most of my luthier supplies
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Wrenches/ESP_Multi_Spanner.html
I want to move to US! U guys have everything over there! Im jealous!!!
To enhance the grip of nut drivers on the thin nuts used for electronic components i ground them down so the bevel you see inside the sockets is gone, end of slippage.
Have one of those StewMac spanners as well, they're great, how else would you tighten a knurled round nut without one?
To protect the enclosure while tightening the nuts, cut some strips from transparency plastic, used a Olfa circle cutter to cut various sized holes in them slightly bigger then the different sizes of nuts. Place them around nut and the wrench doesn't touch the finished surface of the enclosure.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/IMG_6085_zps8fad7bff.jpg)
That enclosure protection is brilliant.
Jacob
Quote from: culturejam on February 17, 2014, 09:13:50 PM
I use this for everything (metric, standard, whatever you got):
(http://www.tooldex.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/img_CO3-FR28SMP_1.jpg)
Tell us more about this guy? I think I want one.
I've got two spanners sized for pots and switches, and I use an adjustable wrench thingy for everything else (an old fashioned one, not a trendy one like all the cool kids use.)
Used a pair of pliers for the first few builds, they are a sucktastic solution to this problem.
Quote from: davent on February 17, 2014, 11:31:21 PM
To enhance the grip of nut drivers on the thin nuts used for electronic components i ground them down so the bevel you see inside the sockets is gone, end of slippage.
Have one of those StewMac spanners as well, they're great, how else would you tighten a knurled round nut without one?
To protect the enclosure while tightening the nuts, cut some strips from transparency plastic, used a Olfa circle cutter to cut various sized holes in them slightly bigger then the different sizes of nuts. Place them around nut and the wrench doesn't touch the finished surface of the enclosure.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/IMG_6085_zps8fad7bff.jpg)
What a bloody brilliant idea. Simple and effective.
Why did I never think of that!
Quote from: raulduke on February 18, 2014, 03:24:52 PM
What a bloody brilliant idea. Simple and effective.
Why did I never think of that!
That is a great idea! Right now I'm just using a few strips of painters masking tape across the enclosure around the pots and jacks, prevents the enclosure contact just fine but this is reusable! ;D
Quote from: rullywowr on February 17, 2014, 08:47:55 PM
When I first started, I would often use pliers to tighten pot nuts, 3pdt nuts, switch nuts, etc...(I'm sure we have all been there at some point). Of course, this is prone to marring your finish, slipping off the nut, and leaving scratch marks.
I then started to use my tools from the garage but it was always a pain sharing between the two and keeping track of where my sockets and ratchet were..
I contemplated getting a deep well nutdriver set but they are usually pricey, plus I don't need a whole set..just 4 common sizes. Combination wrenches would work too, but are not as fast as a screwdriver handle.
A few months ago, I found the perfect affordable solution. I went to my local cheap Chinese tool store (Harbor Freight Tools) and got a color coded deep well socket set (mm) like this (about $10USD):
(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_22311.jpg)
Paired with a 1/4" screwdriver-handled driver like this (about $5usd) ...they make a beautiful team. Mine is similar (not telescoping) but you get the idea.
(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_14245.jpg)
I keep 4 of these color coded sockets and the handle close by on my bench (which fit 16mm pots, 1/4" jacks, 3PDT, and toggles) and its super easy to remove/tighten any pedal hardware. The color coded sockets are sweet because its easy to know that green=pots and so forth. I wish I did this a couple years ago but I figured I would share with you, in case you don't have a dedicated set. :)
I'm curious for those who already have a dedicated set of tools, are you using the same? What is your tool of choice?
Hey mate,
this tools are quite nice for the price. ITs possible to find online?
cheers
they are here (http://www.harborfreight.com/14-telescoping-socket-driver-67978.html) and here (http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-color-coded-14-in-drive-deep-wall-metric-socket-set-61298.html)
Since Gledison is a fellow Yurpean, I'm guessing HF is rather unreachable for him. I found a few ebay sellers but shipping is outrageous (or not really, given that this is ten pieces of steel after all).
Quote from: muddyfox on February 21, 2014, 01:14:45 PM
Since Gledison is a fellow Yurpean, I'm guessing HF is rather unreachable for him. I found a few ebay sellers but shipping is outrageous (or not really, given that this is ten pieces of steel after all).
Yeah! Its quite tough ti find good deals here! Somehow the world thinks that in europe we have lots of money! Unfortunately not true!
I think USA is the land of the DIY'ers!
Well it certainly is a land of cornucopiae, everything under the sun available a phonecall away, mostly with free shipping to boot. :-)
I'm sure they have their problems too, though...
sent from my mobile device
I'm only making pedals for myself, so i dont worry too much about scratching it. They are gonna get banged up pretty good by me anyways.
I just use wrenches. The toughest part of it for me is holding the switches, jacks, pots etc on the other side while tightening them.
Quote from: mandrewbot3k on February 21, 2014, 08:54:10 PM
I'm only making pedals for myself, so i dont worry too much about scratching it. They are gonna get banged up pretty good by me anyways.
I just use wrenches. The toughest part of it for me is holding the switches, jacks, pots etc on the other side while tightening them.
An inner-toothed (star) lockwasher (on the inside of the enclosure) goes a long ways in helping to ease the tightening-spin.
Gledison
How bout these?
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Draper-22164-10pc-Set-Of-1-4-Sq-Dr-6-Point-Deep-Metric-Sockets-/261389834224?pt=DE_Haus_Garten_Heimwerker_Handwerkzeug&hash=item3cdc0c57f0
Peter
Quote from: peterc on February 22, 2014, 06:47:01 AM
Gledison
How bout these?
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Draper-22164-10pc-Set-Of-1-4-Sq-Dr-6-Point-Deep-Metric-Sockets-/261389834224?pt=DE_Haus_Garten_Heimwerker_Handwerkzeug&hash=item3cdc0c57f0
Peter
Hey Peter, it seems nice, unfortunatly there is no zoom of the sockets. Do you have those? im just wondering if they are long enough to be able to tight the pots...
thanks mate!
With 10(mm) you gotta go deep...
That's what she said...
Sorry, couldn't help it! ;D
But back on topic, there is zoom on that picture (you have to click it) and it seems to me it's a regular shallow socket, just color anodized.
They are shallow sockets which is why I said that. And I left it cause I knew someone would go there, and that one else before hand has on a thread about tightening nuts...
Quote from: muddyfox on February 21, 2014, 07:57:53 PM
Well it certainly is a land of cornucopiae, everything under the sun available a phonecall away, mostly with free shipping to boot. :-)
I'm sure they have their problems too, though...
sent from my mobile device
Madbean's server would crash if I posted up a list of all the things bad about America 8)
She is FAR from perfect, but I do love her nonetheless.
Ok, I see the issue. Oddly enough, I have a set of "normal" profile sockets that work fine for pots and such.
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r428/Regina_Stracii/IMG_20140223_141920_zps5594fa54.jpg)
got this kit at the local cheap store.
good part - cost e7
bad - won't do long shaft pots.
This is where nut drivers shine, the sockets is attached to a hollow shaft so they will reach down over the pot shaft without the bulky extra deep socket.