Everybody hates those old-fashioned slotted screws and their
screwdrivers. The Screwdrivers are often used as prybars, chisels or
scrapers.

But, specifically, what is it about them that you don't like?
--
RoRo

"Robert Roland" wrote in message
news:oo7kkihojqvbvqufivljs5dhi41ot0rloc@4ax.com...

Everybody hates those old-fashioned slotted screws and their
screwdrivers. The Screwdrivers are often used as prybars, chisels or
scrapers.

But, specifically, what is it about them that you don't like?
RoRo

-------------------------

I don't share your dislike of them. The split wedge screwdrivers I have to
grip slots are more compact than the external spring clip ones for cross
heads and can be run in snug. I prefer them for places with restricted
clearance such as dense circuit boards. They aren't meant for tightening or
loosening torque but otherwise they make slotted heads as convenient as any
other style. Also slotted heads are the only style that's easy to make, with
doubled hacksaw blades.

I find good uses for most head styles, most recently button head Allen
screws to join antenna mast sections and slide through the guides when the
mast is raised and lowered.

On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 09:35:03 -0500
"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:

<snip>
>I find good uses for most head styles...

Saw this last week from HF, another fastener I'd not seen before.
Looks like Torx at first glance but they don't fit it well per comments.
Seems to be called "Triple-square". Just a heads up to watch out for🤷

"These professional impact bit sockets are engineered for a precise fit
with triple-square fasteners used in many popular European vehicles."

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-triple-square-impact-bit-socket-set-9-piece-59803.html

Used to be the Electrical Trade used slot head screws almost
exclusively. If you found a "Phillips/Crosshead" it would have a
standard slot too. Been out of that for a long time, don't know it
that's still the case...

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI

On 11/7/2023 7:35 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
> "Robert Roland"  wrote in message
> news:oo7kkihojqvbvqufivljs5dhi41ot0rloc@4ax.com...
>
> Everybody hates those old-fashioned slotted screws and their
> screwdrivers. The Screwdrivers are often used as prybars, chisels or
> scrapers.
>
> But, specifically, what is it about them that you don't like?
> RoRo
>
> -------------------------
>
> I don't share your dislike of them. The split wedge screwdrivers I have
> to grip slots are more compact than the external spring clip ones for
> cross heads and can be run in snug. I prefer them for places with
> restricted clearance such as dense circuit boards. They aren't meant for
> tightening or loosening torque but otherwise they make slotted heads as
> convenient as any other style. Also slotted heads are the only style
> that's easy to make, with doubled hacksaw blades.
>
> I find good uses for most head styles, most recently button head Allen
> screws to join antenna mast sections and slide through the guides when
> the mast is raised and lowered.
>

I don't hate them, and since I discovered parallel side gunsmith
screwdrivers I don't hate them even less.

--
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff

--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com

"Leon Fisk" wrote in message news:uidv58$14g9g$1@dont-email.me...

On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 09:35:03 -0500
"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:

<snip>
>I find good uses for most head styles...

Saw this last week from HF, another fastener I'd not seen before.
Looks like Torx at first glance but they don't fit it well per comments.
Seems to be called "Triple-square". Just a heads up to watch out for🤷

"These professional impact bit sockets are engineered for a precise fit
with triple-square fasteners used in many popular European vehicles."

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-triple-square-impact-bit-socket-set-9-piece-59803.html

----------------------
http://www.cnctechnw.com/pics/TripleSq-vs-12Pt.jpg

On Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:29:53 +0100, Robert Roland <fake@ddress.no>
wrote:

>Everybody hates those old-fashioned slotted screws and their
>screwdrivers. The Screwdrivers are often used as prybars, chisels or
>scrapers.
>
>But, specifically, what is it about them that you don't like?
The slots get worn and the screwdrivers get worn because they slip -
then they wear more. When they slip the scratch things - and to keep
them from slipping they fo more damage when they slip. Straight from
HELL!!!!

On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 14:20:22 -0400, Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid>
wrote:

>On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 09:35:03 -0500
>"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:
>
><snip>
>>I find good uses for most head styles...
>
>Saw this last week from HF, another fastener I'd not seen before.
>Looks like Torx at first glance but they don't fit it well per comments.
>Seems to be called "Triple-square". Just a heads up to watch out for?
>
>"These professional impact bit sockets are engineered for a precise fit
>with triple-square fasteners used in many popular European vehicles."
>
>https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-triple-square-impact-bit-socket-set-9-piece-59803.html
>
>Used to be the Electrical Trade used slot head screws almost
>exclusively. If you found a "Phillips/Crosshead" it would have a
>standard slot too. Been out of that for a long time, don't know it
>that's still the case...
Here in Canada most electrical has slot/robertson combo screws.
Gotta LOVE robertsons!!!! You yanks are finally getting in on the
"square drive" kick too - about 120 years late!!!!

On 11/8/2023 10:23 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 14:20:22 -0400, Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid>
> wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 09:35:03 -0500
>> "Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> <snip>
>>> I find good uses for most head styles...
>>
>> Saw this last week from HF, another fastener I'd not seen before.
>> Looks like Torx at first glance but they don't fit it well per comments.
>> Seems to be called "Triple-square". Just a heads up to watch out for?
>>
>> "These professional impact bit sockets are engineered for a precise fit
>> with triple-square fasteners used in many popular European vehicles."
>>
>> https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-triple-square-impact-bit-socket-set-9-piece-59803.html
>>
>> Used to be the Electrical Trade used slot head screws almost
>> exclusively. If you found a "Phillips/Crosshead" it would have a
>> standard slot too. Been out of that for a long time, don't know it
>> that's still the case...
> Here in Canada most electrical has slot/robertson combo screws.
> Gotta LOVE robertsons!!!! You yanks are finally getting in on the
> "square drive" kick too - about 120 years late!!!!
>

We were using square drive screws in the cabinet shop over 30 years
ago ... still don't see many in automotive or mechanical applications
though .
--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .

"Snag" wrote in message news:uihnuc$21ujt$1@dont-email.me...

On 11/8/2023 10:23 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:

> Gotta LOVE robertsons!!!! You yanks are finally getting in on the
> "square drive" kick too - about 120 years late!!!!
>

We were using square drive screws in the cabinet shop over 30 years
ago ... still don't see many in automotive or mechanical applications
though .
--
Snag
---------------------------------

I acquired a surplus lot of Crown Bolt stainless square drive hardware that
has stripped out more easily than any other I own. The problem could be a
poor grade of metal in that manufacturing run but my other Crown Bolt SS
hardware with slotted and Phillips heads withstands re-use much better.

This SS hardware appears to be the slow sellers taken back from a store to
clear space for a different selection. It was priced at $0.10 per bag so I
bought most of it. I can design to use whatever I have. Once I encountered
the distributor's rep taking back all the slotted hex head sheet metal
screws and I bought the lot of dozens of packs for the price of four.

On Wed, 8 Nov 2023 17:36:34 -0500
"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:

<snip>
>http://www.cnctechnw.com/pics/TripleSq-vs-12Pt.jpg

Gees that is so close to being the same. I'd never catch it with out
some frustration and close examination, if at all😬

We used to service some hand-held radios that used Bristol heads.
Mostly on the volume/squelch knob set screws. Standard Hex/Allen
wrenches don't work worth a darn in them😉

Thanks for the nice comparison diagram.

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI

On 11/8/2023 9:23 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 14:20:22 -0400, Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid>
> wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 09:35:03 -0500
>> "Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> <snip>
>>> I find good uses for most head styles...
>>
>> Saw this last week from HF, another fastener I'd not seen before.
>> Looks like Torx at first glance but they don't fit it well per comments.
>> Seems to be called "Triple-square". Just a heads up to watch out for?
>>
>> "These professional impact bit sockets are engineered for a precise fit
>> with triple-square fasteners used in many popular European vehicles."
>>
>> https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-triple-square-impact-bit-socket-set-9-piece-59803.html
>>
>> Used to be the Electrical Trade used slot head screws almost
>> exclusively. If you found a "Phillips/Crosshead" it would have a
>> standard slot too. Been out of that for a long time, don't know it
>> that's still the case...
> Here in Canada most electrical has slot/robertson combo screws.
> Gotta LOVE robertsons!!!! You yanks are finally getting in on the
> "square drive" kick too - about 120 years late!!!!

I seem to recall it goes way back to a disagreement between Roberson and
Ford. Ford wanted to buy the patent outright, and Roberson wanted a
royalty agreement.
--
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff

--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com

On 11/9/2023 12:44 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
> On 11/8/2023 9:23 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
>> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 14:20:22 -0400, Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 09:35:03 -0500
>>> "Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> <snip>
>>>> I find good uses for most head styles...
>>>
>>> Saw this last week from HF, another fastener I'd not seen before.
>>> Looks like Torx at first glance but they don't fit it well per comments.
>>> Seems to be called "Triple-square". Just a heads up to watch out for?
>>>
>>> "These professional impact bit sockets are engineered for a precise fit
>>> with triple-square fasteners used in many popular European vehicles."
>>>
>>> https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-triple-square-impact-bit-socket-set-9-piece-59803.html
>>>
>>> Used to be the Electrical Trade used slot head screws almost
>>> exclusively. If you found a "Phillips/Crosshead" it would have a
>>> standard slot too. Been out of that for a long time, don't know it
>>> that's still the case...
>>    Here in Canada most electrical has slot/robertson combo screws.
>> Gotta LOVE robertsons!!!! You yanks are finally getting in on the
>> "square drive" kick too - about  120 years late!!!!
>
> I seem to recall it goes way back to a disagreement between Roberson and
> Ford.  Ford wanted to buy the patent outright, and Roberson wanted a
> royalty agreement.

Also, as I recall square drive and Roberson drive are supposedly NOT the
same.
--
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff

--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com

On Wed, 8 Nov 2023 22:41:50 -0600, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:

>On 11/8/2023 10:23 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
>> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 14:20:22 -0400, Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 09:35:03 -0500
>>> "Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> <snip>
>>>> I find good uses for most head styles...
>>>
>>> Saw this last week from HF, another fastener I'd not seen before.
>>> Looks like Torx at first glance but they don't fit it well per comments.
>>> Seems to be called "Triple-square". Just a heads up to watch out for?
>>>
>>> "These professional impact bit sockets are engineered for a precise fit
>>> with triple-square fasteners used in many popular European vehicles."
>>>
>>> https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-triple-square-impact-bit-socket-set-9-piece-59803.html
>>>
>>> Used to be the Electrical Trade used slot head screws almost
>>> exclusively. If you found a "Phillips/Crosshead" it would have a
>>> standard slot too. Been out of that for a long time, don't know it
>>> that's still the case...
>> Here in Canada most electrical has slot/robertson combo screws.
>> Gotta LOVE robertsons!!!! You yanks are finally getting in on the
>> "square drive" kick too - about 120 years late!!!!
>>
>
> We were using square drive screws in the cabinet shop over 30 years
>ago ... still don't see many in automotive or mechanical applications
>though .

According to the original Philips patents, the objective was that the
driver would cam out before the overly-aggressive automobile assembler
was able to strip the female threads out.

In furniture, the objective was easy control without slippage, if I
recall. The original patents should tell.

Joe Gwinn

On Wed, 8 Nov 2023 22:41:50 -0600, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:

>On 11/8/2023 10:23 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
>> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 14:20:22 -0400, Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 09:35:03 -0500
>>> "Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> <snip>
>>>> I find good uses for most head styles...
>>>
>>> Saw this last week from HF, another fastener I'd not seen before.
>>> Looks like Torx at first glance but they don't fit it well per comments.
>>> Seems to be called "Triple-square". Just a heads up to watch out for?
>>>
>>> "These professional impact bit sockets are engineered for a precise fit
>>> with triple-square fasteners used in many popular European vehicles."
>>>
>>> https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-triple-square-impact-bit-socket-set-9-piece-59803.html
>>>
>>> Used to be the Electrical Trade used slot head screws almost
>>> exclusively. If you found a "Phillips/Crosshead" it would have a
>>> standard slot too. Been out of that for a long time, don't know it
>>> that's still the case...
>> Here in Canada most electrical has slot/robertson combo screws.
>> Gotta LOVE robertsons!!!! You yanks are finally getting in on the
>> "square drive" kick too - about 120 years late!!!!
>>
>
> We were using square drive screws in the cabinet shop over 30 years
>ago ... still don't see many in automotive or mechanical applications
>though .
The Model "A" that I learned to drive on was assembled with Robertson
screws!
As far as I am concerned, there are no such tools as Philips screw
drivers, only Philips screw REMOVERS!

On Thu, 9 Nov 2023 14:18:20 -0400, Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid>
wrote:

>Gees that is so close to being the same.

Take a look at the difference between Ribe and Polydrive (middle and
tight one in this picture):

https://vacn.no/uploads/imageproxy/Ribe_Polydrive_zpsfa0134ce.jpg.ab85c8d53c708a3c37bf40ff53ccf080.jpg

You will find lots of sources that, with great authority, claim that
they are the same.
--
RoRo

On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 12:42:51 +0100
Robert Roland <fake@ddress.no> wrote:

>On Thu, 9 Nov 2023 14:18:20 -0400, Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid>
>wrote:
>
>>Gees that is so close to being the same.
>
>Take a look at the difference between Ribe and Polydrive (middle and
>tight one in this picture):
>
>https://vacn.no/uploads/imageproxy/Ribe_Polydrive_zpsfa0134ce.jpg.ab85c8d53c708a3c37bf40ff53ccf080.jpg
>
>You will find lots of sources that, with great authority, claim that
>they are the same.

Ugh! That's really bad. Reminds me of the old Pozidriv/Phillips/JIS...
they look a lot alike but they sure do go in/out a whole lot
better with the proper driver😉

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI

"Robert Roland" wrote in message
news:empuki5hg08s7amdvo8ctcboal03ikfqja@4ax.com...

On Thu, 9 Nov 2023 14:18:20 -0400, Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid>
wrote:

---------------------------------

For me the nuisance of having to identify the drive of a small setscrew down
a deep hole greatly outweighs any advantage Bristol Spline etc might have.
When I need to make a custom setscrew I slot the head and turn off the
threads at the clamping end and around the slot to keep it from expanding
and jamming. I made bushings with threaded holes to hold small screws to
modify on the lathe, usually in a collet instead of chucked so filing is
safe. The cut off ends of shortened Grade 5 and 8 screws have made
satisfactory setscrews.

On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 07:59:18 -0500
"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:

>"Robert Roland" wrote in message
>news:empuki5hg08s7amdvo8ctcboal03ikfqja@4ax.com...
>
>On Thu, 9 Nov 2023 14:18:20 -0400, Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid>
>wrote:
>
>---------------------------------
>
>For me the nuisance of having to identify the drive of a small setscrew down
>a deep hole greatly outweighs any advantage Bristol Spline etc might have.
>When I need to make a custom setscrew I slot the head and turn off the
>threads at the clamping end and around the slot to keep it from expanding
>and jamming. I made bushings with threaded holes to hold small screws to
>modify on the lathe, usually in a collet instead of chucked so filing is
>safe. The cut off ends of shortened Grade 5 and 8 screws have made
>satisfactory setscrews.

Thankfully pretty much ALL strange/odd drivers can be purchased
nowadays for not that much money. But having them nearby when needed
and figuring out which one to use can still be a dilemma😉

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI

"Leon Fisk" wrote in message news:uinuhh$3eb5s$2@dont-email.me...

On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 07:59:18 -0500
"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:

>For me the nuisance of having to identify the drive of a small setscrew
>down
>a deep hole greatly outweighs any advantage Bristol Spline etc might have.

Thankfully pretty much ALL strange/odd drivers can be purchased
nowadays for not that much money. But having them nearby when needed
and figuring out which one to use can still be a dilemma😉

Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI

-----------------------------------

They are easy to find second-hand from failed startups, and have no value to
companies that won't risk problems from questionable material. Even parts
drawn for lab use became 'unclean' and couldn't be returned to stock. Often
the seller has no idea of the use or cost of specialized electronics tools,
like crimpers.
https://www.weller-tools.com/us/en/industrial-soldering/products/soldering-accessories/6966c-heat-gun
I paid $9.99.

On rack mounted instruments there just wasn't room to look straight down the
setscrew hole. Sometimes the wrong driver tried by feel grabbed well enough
to damage the setscrew but not enough to loosen it. At least now I own all
the equipment I work on and can replace odd hardware.

Speaking of multiple standards, I just bought a DS211 mini oscilloscope with
MCX connectors and need yet another set of RF adapters to SMA and BNC. For
solar and battery work the probe returns need to float off ground and
between channels, thus the $23 single channel scope. Grounding the inverter
(if a plugged-in UPS) and the panels short-circuits the negative side MOSFET
switch in some PWM controllers and all the solar current will pass through
the ground leads.

On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 11:45:22 -0500
"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:

>They are easy to find second-hand from failed startups, and have no value to
>companies that won't risk problems from questionable material. Even parts
>drawn for lab use became 'unclean' and couldn't be returned to stock. Often
>the seller has no idea of the use or cost of specialized electronics tools,
>like crimpers.
>https://www.weller-tools.com/us/en/industrial-soldering/products/soldering-accessories/6966c-heat-gun
>I paid $9.99.
>
>On rack mounted instruments there just wasn't room to look straight down the
>setscrew hole. Sometimes the wrong driver tried by feel grabbed well enough
>to damage the setscrew but not enough to loosen it. At least now I own all
>the equipment I work on and can replace odd hardware.
>
>Speaking of multiple standards, I just bought a DS211 mini oscilloscope with
>MCX connectors and need yet another set of RF adapters to SMA and BNC. For
>solar and battery work the probe returns need to float off ground and
>between channels, thus the $23 single channel scope. Grounding the inverter
>(if a plugged-in UPS) and the panels short-circuits the negative side MOSFET
>switch in some PWM controllers and all the solar current will pass through
>the ground leads.

I've scored some really good deals on items that I'm sure the seller had
no clue as to their real value. Patience and persistence help and
sometimes we get lucky🙂

Any chance you can just change out the MCX connector for a BNC?

Some my other co-workers convinced our place we needed a portable
oscilloscope/battery power because of all the garbage you'd get
plugging one in at high density tower sites. Conventional dual trace
scope, 20Mhz? Had quite the lump of battery inside. It lived on a
shelf, rarely used...

Motorola started using a Mini-UHF connector on a lot of their radios
rather than TNC or UHF in the 1990's. Thoughts were that too many people
screwed up trying to put on the TNC and UHF (PL-259) were too big to
thread through vehicles. So they sell antennas with Mini-UHF already on
them🙄

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI

"Leon Fisk" wrote in message news:uiogs3$3ib42$1@dont-email.me...

On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 11:45:22 -0500
"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:

>DS211

Any chance you can just change out the MCX connector for a BNC?

----------------------------

The DS211 is packaged like a small cell phone, a directly attached BNC would
tilt that side up and risk damage to the circuit board. I ordered a 6" MCX
to SMA cable that will let the case lie flat and can connect directly to my
Comlinear 20x DC-95MHz preamp or an SMA-BNC adapter to plug in the Hantek
current probe.

The DS211 performs as promised, which isn't saying much, the menu is awkward
and performance is limited, but it cost $23 and the next step up is around
$100, and still not competitive with a bench scope with a larger display and
individual function knobs. I bought it as another USB datalogging channel to
go with the optically isolated multimeters I use to record power generation
and consumption. Hopefully it will capture power-on current surges better
than what I have now. The screen captures can be output as .CSV files to
combine into a spreadsheet with the other meter outputs. It doesn't appear
to measure and output continuously but a spreadsheet can convert the 20x
amplified millivolt data from a current shunt to amperage.

On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 14:22:06 -0500
"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:

<snip>
>The DS211 is packaged like a small cell phone, a directly attached BNC would
>tilt that side up and risk damage to the circuit board. I ordered a 6" MCX
>to SMA cable that will let the case lie flat and can connect directly to my
>Comlinear 20x DC-95MHz preamp or an SMA-BNC adapter to plug in the Hantek
>current probe.

Ah yes, a bit of a size problem. I looked it up on Ebay. Cute little
Oscilloscope. I can only imagine all the stuff like that I'd have
about nowadays if I was still working in the trade😬

I have the RTL-SDR dongle and it's pretty amazing. Would like the
HackRF One which can also TX. But just a bit more money that I care to
spend on a new toy which probably wouldn't get used much...

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI

On 11/10/2023 10:06 PM, Gerry wrote:
> On Wed, 8 Nov 2023 22:41:50 -0600, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
>
>> On 11/8/2023 10:23 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
>>> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 14:20:22 -0400, Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On Tue, 7 Nov 2023 09:35:03 -0500
>>>> "Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> <snip>
>>>>> I find good uses for most head styles...
>>>>
>>>> Saw this last week from HF, another fastener I'd not seen before.
>>>> Looks like Torx at first glance but they don't fit it well per comments.
>>>> Seems to be called "Triple-square". Just a heads up to watch out for?
>>>>
>>>> "These professional impact bit sockets are engineered for a precise fit
>>>> with triple-square fasteners used in many popular European vehicles."
>>>>
>>>> https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-triple-square-impact-bit-socket-set-9-piece-59803.html
>>>>
>>>> Used to be the Electrical Trade used slot head screws almost
>>>> exclusively. If you found a "Phillips/Crosshead" it would have a
>>>> standard slot too. Been out of that for a long time, don't know it
>>>> that's still the case...
>>> Here in Canada most electrical has slot/robertson combo screws.
>>> Gotta LOVE robertsons!!!! You yanks are finally getting in on the
>>> "square drive" kick too - about 120 years late!!!!
>>>
>>
>> We were using square drive screws in the cabinet shop over 30 years
>> ago ... still don't see many in automotive or mechanical applications
>> though .
> The Model "A" that I learned to drive on was assembled with Robertson
> screws!
> As far as I am concerned, there are no such tools as Philips screw
> drivers, only Philips screw REMOVERS!
>

Might be the operator ... I've driven literally tens of thousands of
screws , probably half were Phillips . The most common mistake I've seen
- with all screws - is not keeping your driver straight in line with the
screw . And Phillips are more sensitive to this because of the taper of
the driving bit . I've stripped my share ...
--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .

"Leon Fisk" wrote in message news:uion92$3ib42$2@dont-email.me...

On Sat, 11 Nov 2023 14:22:06 -0500
"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> wrote:

<snip>
>The DS211 is packaged like a small cell phone, a directly attached BNC
>would
>tilt that side up and risk damage to the circuit board. I ordered a 6" MCX
>to SMA cable that will let the case lie flat and can connect directly to my
>Comlinear 20x DC-95MHz preamp or an SMA-BNC adapter to plug in the Hantek
>current probe.

Ah yes, a bit of a size problem. I looked it up on Ebay. Cute little
Oscilloscope. I can only imagine all the stuff like that I'd have
about nowadays if I was still working in the trade😬

I have the RTL-SDR dongle and it's pretty amazing. Would like the
HackRF One which can also TX. But just a bit more money that I care to
spend on a new toy which probably wouldn't get used much...

Leon Fisk

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I was looking at scope meters and only bought the DS211 because it was so
cheap, my Tenma scope is usually adequate except that both channels share a
common ground, which needs to be on one end of the current shunt instead of
measuring voltage directly across the battery terminals like an optically
isolated multimeter. The error is at worst a few tenths of a volt from wire
and contact resistance but I was trained to make very accurate force + sense
measurements so this bothers me.

I have an RSP1A which can do much more than I need.
https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-015965
Supposedly it can drive a direct digital synthesizer to modulate a
transmitter or serve as the tracking generator of a scalar network analyzer,
with the spectrum analyzer program.
https://www.amazon.com/AD9851-Generator-0-70MHz-Circuit-Diagram/dp/B07QXS2FWV

The display is spectacular on a large HD monitor or HDTV.
https://www.sdrplay.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=3954
The waterfall shows the relative pitch and duration of every note of music
on an FM radio station.

At Mitre I built digital radios with whatever latest/greatest A/D converter
they threw at me, but then I gave them to the project engineer and didn't
get to play with them. Apparently they all worked, I was never asked to
troubleshoot or modify one.

There's a low cost vector network analyzer that uses SDR technology.
https://nanovna.com/
I bought one but have been too busy to play with it. Right now my yard is
covered with large (>1 ton) logs that need to be stacked and covered for
winter, and the rust repair under the car needs to be completely attached
and sealed.

At Mitre I used an HP vector network analyzer more than a scope, which isn't
much help with microwaves.