Help with loose headamp screws

[jetm]

Let me preface by saying that I have zero DIY skills, so please be gentle

- A couple of screws in my headamp (mini3) are loose and have fallen off. They are allen head screws (1/8 by 1/4 size, says the hardware guy)
- After searching the city, I found a screw+nuts+bolts specialist store in Aurora Blvd. Bought many allen head screws, also flat-head Philips-type screws
- However, none fit and they're all falling off. It seems 2 of the 4 holes have become larger than the standard size screw.
- What can I do to make the screws fit tighter? I would like to be able to open up the amp periodically, to replace the rechargeable battery when it's spent.

Please help with advice. Thanks!

[qguy]

Seems like the threads on your amp has been grinded by overtighting. Try getting a bolt that would fit the screw that you have. glue the bolt inside the amp so that the screw would have something to bite into

[Gino]

Assuming you have found the correct screw size, use Loctite blue compound (242) to secure them. Lil's HObby Shop in Megamall or Trinoma may have something similar. Maybe Tamiya brand. But insist on the blue compound or weak strength. Stay away from Loctite red. Otherwise you may not be able to remove the screws! Oh the color refers to the liquid. All Loctite bottles come in red and differ in product numbers.

[arnoldc]

Send it to me if you want. And the screws, baka imperial yan, hindi metric...

[highlander]

Send it to me if you want. And the screws, baka imperial yan, hindi metric...

Here's what I got from the web...http://www.amb.org/audio/mini3/
imperial #6-32 or metric M3.5 flat-head socket cap screws (for front and rear panel)

Hope this helps

[arnoldc]

Or buy a new hammond case, use the same front and back panel... BTW, totoong Mini3 ba yan? Magkaiba ang case nung AMB Labs at nung hindi.

[jetm]

qguy
Thanks! however the hole is integral to the case. Will keep in mind not to over-tighten.

highlander
Thanks! Now I can see that It's not strictly a Mini pala, but Ferds's version of it.

arnold
Thanks! Your offer to look at it is very gracious. Hiya ako, I'll try to see if I can do it first.

Assuming you have found the correct screw size, use Loctite blue compound (242) to secure them. Lil's HObby Shop in Megamall or Trinoma may have something similar. Maybe Tamiya brand. But insist on the blue compound or weak strength. Stay away from Loctite red. Otherwise you may not be able to remove the screws! Oh the color refers to the liquid. All Loctite bottles come in red and differ in product numbers.

Thanks Gino! I'm leaning towards your solution. Lil's Megamall don't have this in stock, but their Trinoma branch still has it. Lil's pointed me to Concorde, who have Abro brand threadlock, which also comes in blue and red. Kaya lang the salesman said if I use the blue one "kailangan puwersahin" to disassemble, so I balked. Abro is cheaper though: 100+ compared with 500+ for Loctite.

I also discovered that I still have some Power Tack (like Blue Tac). Would you guys advise I use this, or would that be a bad idea?

So, my choices, and asking for your input on which one you would choose...

(a) Loctite Blue
(b) Abro Blue
(c) Blue Tac

[qguy]

Try putting toothpic inside the hole or get a longer screw, the longer screw would penetrate deeper into the case and bite into the area where its not loose

[JoeyGS]

In the meantime I can also suggest using plumber's teflon tape and wrapped onto the screw....enough to make a tight fit. I have used this successfully in some gears where the screw fits into plastic body and likewise the holes became bigger over time of tightening and loosening.

Hope this helps.

[arnoldc]

Bro, nasa P750 lang yung case, bili ka na lang bago keysa Loctite na P500...

[JoeyGS]

Oo nga naman.

Bro, nasa P750 lang yung case, bili ka na lang bago keysa Loctite na P500...

[jetm]

OK, where to buy the case? Thanks!

[Octaver]

OK, where to buy the case? Thanks!

jetm your problem is just screw to hold the cover. I'm pretty sure the holes loose and large enough to hold the original screws because of too much torque when you tighten them, next time just "snug" it . I suggest to change the original screw with slightly large diameter (next to the size) then done. Changing the casing will be your next step. just my suggestion.

[arnoldc]

If that is the authorized Mini3, the case is available from Farnell, Order code 9287906 HAMMOND 1455C802BK

http://ph.farnell.com

[Mamimili]

#6-32 sounds like UNC.
Forget finding UNC or UNF threads in Asia. i have wasted months of time and money in the past trying to keep things original, so now when i need to replace screws or bolts of either of these threads i just tap to the next metric size.
With taps priced around PhP200 per set, a few minutes work saves you repeating the hassle next time.

[Mamimili]

at first glance i read "headamp mini3 as headlamp for a MkIII classic Mini

[Gino]

There is an RC Helicopter shop in 168 Mall, Divisoria. He has threadlock there. It should be cheaper. Just ask for the equivalent of the Blue Loctite. Tell him you want to be able to remove the screw. Just ask around for Wilson's shop. They also ship by LBC. Payment through Metrobank. Some numbers I have . Not sure if they are current:

0918 526 8246
4800877
0917 600 7704

[Octaver]

There is an RC Helicopter shop in 168 Mall, Divisoria. He has threadlock there. It should be cheaper. Just ask for the equivalent of the Blue Loctite. Tell him you want to be able to remove the screw. Just ask around for Wilson's shop. They also ship by LBC. Payment through Metrobank. Some numbers I have . Not sure if they are current:

0918 526 8246
4800877
0917 600 7704

It seems that he needs to open the cover to charge the Battery. So using loctite or the likes might not be a good idea.

[arnoldc]

OT: There's a MINI fun run @ Clark on June 20

at first glance i read "headamp mini3 as headlamp for a MkIII classic Mini

[Gino]

@Octaver...That is why I insist on the blue compound, That is easily removed. Mess with the strong one and you are,well, screwed. I've extensive experience with blue on my rc helis. They use really tiny screws. It is so easy to strip those tiny allen head bolts. Yet, blue gives way when wanted. The trick is to apply very little. And are little counts for much. These rc helis are vibration monsters. I've yet to have a screw come off in flight.