An actual post related to flying

[Viperdoc[_4_]]

We're still in the throes of winter here in Wisconsin- low ceilings, ice,
snow encrusted taxiways and ramps. One plane is gone for a month for an
avionics upgrade, while the other sits waiting for the return of the prop.
No flying for a while. Perhaps I'll organize my tools.

So, how about a new poll- how many screwdrivers does the average airplane
owner own?

Who makes the best screwdrivers?

What's your personal favorite tool? (Mine is the Snap on ratchet screw
driver. It has a great action and feel, and in fact we use their same
mechanism in the operating room for placing bone screws)

So, back to aviation- let's hear your responses!

[Bob Noel]

In article >,
"Viperdoc" > wrote:

> So, how about a new poll- how many screwdrivers does the average airplane
> owner own?


hmmm, lessee:

Cordless screwdriver
set of 8 small jeweler screwdrivers
3 stubbies
at least 8 other screwdrivers of varying sizes.

not counting drywall driver bits, etc.




>
> Who makes the best screwdrivers?

Not a clue

>
> What's your personal favorite tool?

small pancake compressor

--
Bob Noel
Looking for a sig the
lawyers will hate

[Viperdoc]

I have concerns about using an electric screwdriver on my plane- don't they
chew up the heads?

Have you ever skated across the paint with an electric?

[Tony]

You don't want to get confused about what you're working on, though.
Just because it's a Snap On tool in your hand doesn't mean it's a
manifold, and that's a suture, not a safety wire.

I had an odd thought about your home office -- sectionals, and frozen
sections. pacemaker leads tangled with sparkplug ones. Eclectic
interests lead to interesting bookshelves -- on mine, IRB Polices is
next to the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. Nearby is the DSM IV..

As for my most effective tool? I'm sorry to say it's a four letter
word -- Visa. The little screwdriver on my keychain has come in handy
aloft, however, refastening knobs that somehow became disconnected
(speaking of safetywire, or Grip Tight).

The crank shaft bone is connected to the piston rod bone. . .






On Mar 3, 7:39 am, "Viperdoc" > wrote:
> We're still in the throes of winter here in Wisconsin- low ceilings, ice,
> snow encrusted taxiways and ramps. One plane is gone for a month for an
> avionics upgrade, while the other sits waiting for the return of the prop.
> No flying for a while. Perhaps I'll organize my tools.
>
> So, how about a new poll- how many screwdrivers does the average airplane
> owner own?
>
> Who makes the best screwdrivers?
>
> What's your personal favorite tool? (Mine is the Snap on ratchet screw
> driver. It has a great action and feel, and in fact we use their same
> mechanism in the operating room for placing bone screws)
>
> So, back to aviation- let's hear your responses!

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Viperdoc" > wrote in message
...
>I have concerns about using an electric screwdriver on my plane- don't they
>chew up the heads?
>
> Have you ever skated across the paint with an electric?

I don't know if you have the options of choosing the type of heads on the
screws you are using, but for my money you can't beat torx and square socket
screws.

THEY don't let bits jump out, or cam out.

I have come to despise Phillips head screws, and I won't even talk about
straight slots! <g>
--
Jim in NC

[Blueskies]

"Viperdoc" > wrote in message ...
: We're still in the throes of winter here in Wisconsin- low ceilings, ice,
: snow encrusted taxiways and ramps. One plane is gone for a month for an
: avionics upgrade, while the other sits waiting for the return of the prop.
: No flying for a while. Perhaps I'll organize my tools.
:
: So, how about a new poll- how many screwdrivers does the average airplane
: owner own?
:
: Who makes the best screwdrivers?
:
: What's your personal favorite tool? (Mine is the Snap on ratchet screw
: driver. It has a great action and feel, and in fact we use their same
: mechanism in the operating room for placing bone screws)
:
: So, back to aviation- let's hear your responses!
:
:

Hmmm, do you want to include the replacement tips for the Makita? There must be thirty some screwdrivers around this
place. I really like the Craftsman Professionals; they seem to grab on real well to the stubborn screws and the tips
seem to last well...

Dan D.

[Jay Honeck]

> So, back to aviation- let's hear your responses!

My favorite tool, above all else, is...my pocket Leatherman. The kind
that attaches to your keys.

This danged little tool, by virtue of being handy, has risen above all
others, beyond my $1500 Jet planer and my wonderfully versatile
cordless drill(s).

It doesn't do any one thing particularly well, but I find myself using
it all day long at the hotel, tightening door knob screws, scraping
paint off carpet, jimmying stuck drawers -- it's remarkable. I
actually bought Mary one, and she uses hers every day, too.

It's the best $25 I've ever spent.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, "Morgans" > said:
>I don't know if you have the options of choosing the type of heads on the
>screws you are using, but for my money you can't beat torx and square socket
>screws.
>
>THEY don't let bits jump out, or cam out.

Do Americans "do" Robertson screws? Back when I was a college student,
one of my buddies did his work term at SPAR Aerospace, and they sent an
engineering sample or ground simulator of the Canadarm down to NASA, and
got an urgent call to send down screwdrivers that fit these funny square
socket screws.


--
Paul Tomblin > http://blog.xcski.com/
It's the _target_ that supposed to go "F00F", not the processor.
-- Mike Andrews, on Pentiums in missiles

[Jim B]

I have a Craftsman screwdriver with a reversible shaft which has reversible
bits in each end of the shaft. So I've got both #1 and #2 Phillips and #1
and #2 straight, all in one screwdriver. It was my favorite tool until the
#2 Phillips bit broke.

Best screwdrivers? Snap-On. Not for the name but for the bit and the
comfortable handle. The have bits that are both hard and tough.

Electric? We've got an Aztec. The stainless steel screw kits have over
1500 screws. You're darn right I use an electric. I just set the clutch
down to #1 or 2 and use low speed, then hand tighten. I'm not afraid to
toss out old bits and buy new, they are cheap. I try to get the ones with
the variegated faces for extra griping power. If they don't loosen with a
low clutch setting, I loosen by hand, rather than twisting the head off the
screw.

Jim
(still looking for a portable tool box that is compact yet large enough)

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, "Jay Honeck" > said:
>> So, back to aviation- let's hear your responses!
>
>My favorite tool, above all else, is...my pocket Leatherman. The kind
>that attaches to your keys.
>
>This danged little tool, by virtue of being handy, has risen above all
>others, beyond my $1500 Jet planer and my wonderfully versatile
>cordless drill(s).

I find the screwdriver on the end of the fuel sampler gets the most actual
work. It's very handy to tighten up access panels while pre-flighting.


--
Paul Tomblin > http://blog.xcski.com/
"Almost any animal is capable of learning a stimulus/response association,
given enough repetition. Experimental observation suggests that this
isn't true if double-clicking is involved." -Lionel Lauer and Malcolm Ray

[Peter Dohm]

> I have concerns about using an electric screwdriver on my plane- don't
they
> chew up the heads?
>
I still love my AEG screwdriver, also sold as Milwaukee, with adjustable
clutch. Use good, fresh bits and the screw heads stay pristine.

Mine is the older single speed--the newer model is a two speed.

Peter

[Bob Fry]

Main screwdriver is a Snap-On ratcheting one. Then the usual fixed
screwdrivers from Sears (Craftsman). I need to get a very long shaft
screwdrvier though so I don't have to borrow from the mechanic.

Followups directed to r.a.owning
--
When I was younger, there was a house on my street that I thought
was haunted. At night you'd hear screams coming from all over the
house...plus anyone who went in, never came out. Later I found
out it was just a murderers house.
- Jack Handey

[Dale]

In article >,
"Viperdoc" > wrote:


>
> So, how about a new poll- how many screwdrivers does the average airplane
> owner own?
>
> Who makes the best screwdrivers?

I love my ratcheting Snap-On. I have two of them, one being a stubby for
small places. The standard one is pink (my thinking being what
self-respecting guy would own a pink tool, therefore less chance of it
being stolen).

I have a drawer full of screwdrivers in my box from little jewelers
screwdrivers to a great big long Snap-On...probably 20 or so total.

In the airplane I kept one of those that has reversible tips on each end
of a reversible shaft.

[cavedweller]

On Mar 3, 9:50 am, (Paul Tomblin) wrote:
> In a previous article, "Morgans" > said:
>
> >I don't know if you have the options of choosing the type of heads on the
> >screws you are using, but for my money you can't beat torx and square socket
> >screws.
>
> >THEY don't let bits jump out, or cam out.
>
> Do Americans "do" Robertson screws? Back when I was a college student,
> one of my buddies did his work term at SPAR Aerospace, and they sent an
> engineering sample or ground simulator of the Canadarm down to NASA, and
> got an urgent call to send down screwdrivers that fit these funny square
> socket screws.
>
They are used some places. There's a sunroom manufacturer in Detroit
that uses
small self tapping Robertsons.

[BDS]

"Viperdoc" > wrote
> I have concerns about using an electric screwdriver on my plane- don't
they
> chew up the heads?

I considered it a godsend after previously having to remove the 80 or so
screws necessary to get the cowlings off of a 60's vintage Mooney manually.
The battery-powered drill made it easy.

> Have you ever skated across the paint with an electric?

Nope, I never had that happen....yet.

BDS

[Viperdoc[_4_]]

Actually, my two favorite surgical instruments were the two foot long bolt
cutter and the vice grips. We used to get them from Sears, but they rusted
too easily when autoclaved.

Had to go to expensive stainless surgical instruments instead. I went to all
stainless screws on my planes, but it seems like the heads are easier to
chew up.

[Viperdoc[_4_]]

I had a yellow handled Snap-On that matched my aerobatic plane. However,
needed the Modine heater in the hangar replaced one day, and after the work
the screwdriver was missing.

Still not convinced that an electric is the way to go- it seems like they
chew up the head more than a manual. In the operating room we use mostly hex
sockets or torx head screws. Of course, a single bone screw can cost close
to $100.

[Private]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>> So, back to aviation- let's hear your responses!
>
> My favorite tool, above all else, is...my pocket Leatherman. The kind
> that attaches to your keys.
>
> This danged little tool, by virtue of being handy, has risen above all
> others, beyond my $1500 Jet planer and my wonderfully versatile
> cordless drill(s).
>
> It doesn't do any one thing particularly well, but I find myself using
> it all day long at the hotel, tightening door knob screws, scraping
> paint off carpet, jimmying stuck drawers -- it's remarkable. I
> actually bought Mary one, and she uses hers every day, too.
>
> It's the best $25 I've ever spent.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>

Swiss Army Knife, for all the reasons Jay likes his Leatherman.

My personal choice is the officer's Spartan or Sport model made by
Victorinox. It is smaller, lighter and cheaper than the Leatherman and has
a great can opener and a really good corkscrew. IMHO both the can opener
and the corkscrew are superior to most dedicated tools. My wife likes the
next larger size with scissors but I find it too big for my pants pocket,
she carries it in a purse.

The addition of a small vise grip and a roll of duck(t) tape is IMHO a
complete emergency tool kit, but they do not fit well in any of my pockets.

My pilot survival kit consists of Swiss Army Knife, matches, compass,
whistle, and signal mirror. I keep a dedicated set in both my headset bag
and my parachute. I also carry a pack with other required items but like to
keep the basics on my person.

Being a Canadian, I am also a big fan of the Roberson square screw and think
they are superior to the Phillips in every way. IIRC there is some real
historical chauvinism that resulted in the use of the Phillips design in the
USA and the rejection of the superior Robertson.

just my .02, YMMV

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, "Private" > said:
>they are superior to the Phillips in every way. IIRC there is some real
>historical chauvinism that resulted in the use of the Phillips design in the
>USA and the rejection of the superior Robertson.

"historical chauvinism" is sometimes spelt "high licensing fees".


--
Paul Tomblin > http://blog.xcski.com/
"Go go Gadget kernel compile!" - Chris "Saundo" Saunderson

[Private]

"Viperdoc" > wrote in message
...
snip
> What's your personal favorite tool? (Mine is the Snap on ratchet screw
> driver. It has a great action and feel, and in fact we use their same
> mechanism in the operating room for placing bone screws)
>
> So, back to aviation- let's hear your responses!
>

It must be winter, there is little flying so we are reduced to talking about
screwing.

For real mechanicing on difficult screws, I like to use a hand (not air)
impact screwdriver to remove seized or overly tight screws. The twisting
force is controllable by how hard the driver is struck by the hammer and the
hammer serves to force the driver into good contact with the head of the
screw and reduces slippage and screw damage. I seldom use an impact driver
for installing, but a little nevr-seize on the new screw will allow
increased clamping force and a tighter fit as well as reduce corrosion and
facilitate future removal.

just my .02, YMMV

[Private]

"Paul Tomblin" > wrote in message
...
> In a previous article, "Private" > said:
>>they are superior to the Phillips in every way. IIRC there is some real
>>historical chauvinism that resulted in the use of the Phillips design in
>>the
>>USA and the rejection of the superior Robertson.
>
> "historical chauvinism" is sometimes spelt "high licensing fees".
>

IIRC this was part of the problem in this case. I suspect that any patent
would have expired by now, but perhaps there is a surviving copyright.

Happy landings,

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Viperdoc" > wrote in message
...
>I had a yellow handled Snap-On that matched my aerobatic plane. However,
>needed the Modine heater in the hangar replaced one day, and after the work
>the screwdriver was missing.
>
> Still not convinced that an electric is the way to go- it seems like they
> chew up the head more than a manual. In the operating room we use mostly
> hex sockets or torx head screws. Of course, a single bone screw can cost
> close to $100.

The key, like another poster said, is the use of a real low clutch setting.
Simply put, the clutch slips at such a low torque setting, that there is not
enough power to tear up a head. Loosen the first little bit, and tighten
the last bit to the correct torque with a hand driver.

Some screws, not requiring high torque, can still be done without using the
hand screwdriver.
--
Jim in NC

[Don Tuite]

On Sat, 3 Mar 2007 19:42:48 +0000 (UTC),
(Paul Tomblin) wrote:

>In a previous article, "Private" > said:
>>they are superior to the Phillips in every way. IIRC there is some real
>>historical chauvinism that resulted in the use of the Phillips design in the
>>USA and the rejection of the superior Robertson.
>
>"historical chauvinism" is sometimes spelt "high licensing fees".

Have we covered Pozidrive versus Phillips? (Too many mgs to scan.)

Tektronix used Pozidrives exclusively when I was there.

Don

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, "Private" > said:
>Being a Canadian, I am also a big fan of the Roberson square screw and think
>they are superior to the Phillips in every way. IIRC there is some real
>historical chauvinism that resulted in the use of the Phillips design in the
>USA and the rejection of the superior Robertson.

Look at the Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_screwdriver
According to it, Henry Ford wanted to use Robertson screws on Fords, but
Robertson had been screwed (sorry) by a previous licensee and refused to
license any other screw manufacturer to make them. Ford decided that he
wouldn't trust a single sourced screw, so went to something else. And
thus, Robertson missed his chance to have Robertson screws become very
common in the US.

--
Paul Tomblin > http://blog.xcski.com/
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Ben Franklin

[Private]

"Private" > wrote in message
news:urkGh.1219037$R63.505948@pd7urf1no...
>
> "Paul Tomblin" > wrote in message
> ...
>> In a previous article, "Private" > said:
>>>they are superior to the Phillips in every way. IIRC there is some real
>>>historical chauvinism that resulted in the use of the Phillips design in
>>>the
>>>USA and the rejection of the superior Robertson.
>>
>> "historical chauvinism" is sometimes spelt "high licensing fees".
>>
>
> IIRC this was part of the problem in this case. I suspect that any patent
> would have expired by now, but perhaps there is a surviving copyright.
>
> Happy landings,
>

From Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_screwdriver
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P.L._Robertson

I note that Robertson was having the same kind of legal problems protecting
his invention as the Wrights were having at the same time. Today we realize
that he would perhaps have been smarter to give away the license to use the
screws and to retain the license for the drivers.

Also of interest and on topic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Good_Turn

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillips_Head

Happy landings,

[Michael Nouak]

"Private" > schrieb im Newsbeitrag
news:wlkGh.1209916$5R2.723152@pd7urf3no...
>
> "Viperdoc" > wrote in message
> ...
> snip
>> What's your personal favorite tool? (Mine is the Snap on ratchet screw
>> driver. It has a great action and feel, and in fact we use their same
>> mechanism in the operating room for placing bone screws)
>>
>> So, back to aviation- let's hear your responses!
>>
>
> It must be winter, there is little flying so we are reduced to talking
> about screwing.

Funny - airline pilots talk about screwing all the time - regardless of the
season...

;->>>

--
Michael Nouak
remove "nospamfor" to reply:

[Ron Wanttaja]

On Sat, 3 Mar 2007 22:45:19 +0100, "Michael Nouak" > wrote:

>> It must be winter, there is little flying so we are reduced to talking
>> about screwing.
>
>Funny - airline pilots talk about screwing all the time - regardless of the
>season...

Reminds me of the joke about a bunch of young airline pilots and one old one
gathering at the bar after the day's flying is done.

"Hey, Cap'n," says one of the young ones to the old one. "When was the last
time you were in bed with a woman?"

The old timer removes his hat, squints upward for a moment. "1955," he says.

The young pilots laugh. "Geeze, that's a LONG time, isn't it, Cap'n?" says one.

The old-timer looks at him for a moment, then glances at his watch.

"Hell no, son, it's only 2215, now...."

Ron Wanttaja

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, said:
>On Sat, 3 Mar 2007 22:45:19 +0100, "Michael Nouak" > wrote:
>>Funny - airline pilots talk about screwing all the time - regardless of the
>>season...
>
>Reminds me of the joke about a bunch of young airline pilots and one old one
>gathering at the bar after the day's flying is done.
>
>"Hey, Cap'n," says one of the young ones to the old one. "When was the last
>time you were in bed with a woman?"
>
>The old timer removes his hat, squints upward for a moment. "1955," he says.
>
>The young pilots laugh. "Geeze, that's a LONG time, isn't it, Cap'n?" says one.
>
>The old-timer looks at him for a moment, then glances at his watch.
>
>"Hell no, son, it's only 2215, now...."

A male pilot is a confused soul who talks about women when he's flying,
and about flying when he's with a woman.


--
Paul Tomblin > http://blog.xcski.com/
In fact, it's surprising that any sort of hardware works. When it works, it
is just biding its time waiting for a more inconvenient time for it to fail.
-- Joe Moore

[Jon Woellhaf]

Viperdoc asked
> ... how many screwdrivers does the average airplane owner own? ...

All the ones I have -- somewhere -- or only the ones I can find and actually
use?

[Jon Woellhaf]

Viperdoc wrote
> I have concerns about using an electric screwdriver on my plane- don't
> they chew up the heads?

I use power to remove access panel screws and have never had a problem
stripping their heads -- and they're stainless. I use manual to replace
them.

Jon

[Jon Woellhaf]

Viperdoc wrote
> ... a single bone screw can cost close to $100.

I was going to ask if that was hospital cost or patient cost, but thought
better of it.

[Viperdoc[_4_]]

Hospital cost is less, patient charge is around 3X.

[Michelle P]

Viperdoc wrote:
> We're still in the throes of winter here in Wisconsin- low ceilings, ice,
> snow encrusted taxiways and ramps. One plane is gone for a month for an
> avionics upgrade, while the other sits waiting for the return of the prop.
> No flying for a while. Perhaps I'll organize my tools.
>
> So, how about a new poll- how many screwdrivers does the average airplane
> owner own?
>
> Who makes the best screwdrivers?
>
> What's your personal favorite tool? (Mine is the Snap on ratchet screw
> driver. It has a great action and feel, and in fact we use their same
> mechanism in the operating room for placing bone screws)
>
> So, back to aviation- let's hear your responses!
>
>
I have about 15 screwdrivers. Most are snap-on.
Michelle

[Peter Dohm]

> Had to go to expensive stainless surgical instruments instead. I went to
all
> stainless screws on my planes, but it seems like the heads are easier to
> chew up.
>
>
That's no surprise, as there are many kinds of stainless--and I don't know
enough about metalurgy to offer advice on which to use.

Try mentioning the problem to your supplier, if you have not done so
already, as they may have similar hardware in a harder or tougher grade.

Peter

[[email protected]]

Viperdoc > wrote:
> So, how about a new poll- how many screwdrivers does the average
> airplane owner own?

All of the screwdrivers one owns can be classified into M sets of head
types and sizes (1/4" slotted, #2 Phillips, etc.) All of the screws
that need turning on all of the aircraft, cars, buildings, power
equipment, etc that one owns can be classified into N sets of head
types and sizes.

It is an immutable law of the Universe that M = N - 1.

The only known way around this is to have a very small set of
screwdrivers and a large budget for replacement screws:

With a Dremel tool and a cut-off wheel, _everything_ takes a flat-blade
screwdriver.

Matt Roberds

[Bob Noel]

In article >,
"Viperdoc" > wrote:

> I have concerns about using an electric screwdriver on my plane- don't they
> chew up the heads?

Part of the trick is to use new screwdrivers.

Part of the trick is to be patient

Part of the trick is to realize that the heads of the screws will wear
out, and have a ready supply of the correct screws to replace the
cruddy ones.

> Have you ever skated across the paint with an electric?

Not me.

--
Bob Noel
Looking for a sig the
lawyers will hate

[[email protected]]

On Mar 3, 2:16 pm, (Paul Tomblin) wrote:
> In a previous article, "Private" > said:
>
> >Being a Canadian, I am also a big fan of the Roberson square screw and think
> >they are superior to the Phillips in every way. IIRC there is some real
> >historical chauvinism that resulted in the use of the Phillips design in the
> >USA and the rejection of the superior Robertson.
>
> Look at the Wikipedia articlehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_screwdriver
> According to it, Henry Ford wanted to use Robertson screws on Fords, but
> Robertson had been screwed (sorry) by a previous licensee and refused to
> license any other screw manufacturer to make them. Ford decided that he
> wouldn't trust a single sourced screw, so went to something else. And
> thus, Robertson missed his chance to have Robertson screws become very
> common in the US.

I heard it a bit differently. Ford was used to getting his way and
when he ran into Robertson's stubbornness he actively blocked the sale
of those screws in the U.S. I can't see furniture manufacturers, for
one, not wanting to use them. Even antique Canadian furniture is full
of them. I've driven thousands of them into wooden boats I've built,
and we get Robertson "decking" screws here that are good for a
thousand uses and are sold by the pound. I imagine they're available
in the US by now.
Softer screws still get the Roberson socket torn out of them.
They're not perfect. Torx screws have the best driving system but they
don't sit on the driver so well, not having any sort of taper to wedge
them on so you can poke them into some inaccessible spot. Robertsons
do that very well.

Dan

[Dave[_5_]]

I will second the vote for the Swiss Army Knife as a favorite tool.
Mine is the Victorinox "Electrician" model. It's simpler than most
S.A. knives and has aluminum handles - but goes with me everywhere and
gets used multiple times every day.

David Johnson

[Peter Dohm]

> > I have concerns about using an electric screwdriver on my plane- don't
they
> > chew up the heads?
>
> Part of the trick is to use new screwdrivers.
>
> Part of the trick is to be patient
>
> Part of the trick is to realize that the heads of the screws will wear
> out, and have a ready supply of the correct screws to replace the
> cruddy ones.
>
All very true. I can only add that a surprisingly small amount of wear can
cause a lot of problems.

Peter

[Peter Dohm]

> Hospital cost is less, patient charge is around 3X.
>
>
I'm being extra carefull not to break anything!

Peter ;-)

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Private" > wrote

> I note that Robertson was having the same kind of legal problems
> protecting his invention as the Wrights were having at the same time.
> Today we realize that he would perhaps have been smarter to give away the
> license to use the screws and to retain the license for the drivers.

It may be of interest that square drive screws are becoming much more
popular in construction work.

I have used square drive finish screws. Neatest thing since sliced bread,
where it is needed, as in having a 12d finish nail sized hole, but the
ability to pull something together, and hold much better than a nail.

Also, deck screws with a square drive are around. It may be that if there
is still a royalty for using Robertson screws, they got around it in an
innovative way. These screws I am talking about can be driven by a Phillips
head driver (very poorly, though) but have the inside of the Phillips slots
enlarged so that a square drive will fit in it. If you keep a reasonable
amount of pressure on them, they WILL not slip.

I look forward to seeing more and different kinds of hardware showing up
with square drives. I'll switch every one out that I can find!
--
Jim in NC

[Jay Honeck]

> All very true. I can only add that a surprisingly small amount of wear can
> cause a lot of problems.

Boy, isn't that the truth? I'll bet I've replaced every screw on my
plane in the five years I've owned it.

I replaced all the structural screws around the gas tank with
stainless steel screws when I pulled the tanks to comply with the
dreaded "Service Bulletin 1006" -- the wing spar corrosion SB that
every Cherokee owner fears.

And I've replaced every inspection panel screw, too. Every year I
plan on replacing at least 25% of them. Even so, there's usually one
or two boogers that require "special treatment" to get them out.

I would love to replace them with square-drive screws. THAT would be
a huge improvement.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Viperdoc]

And we're careful not to drop anything, since once it hits the floor we
can't sterilize it or use it over.

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Viperdoc" > wrote

> And we're careful not to drop anything, since once it hits the floor we
> can't sterilize it or use it over.

During kidney stone removal I had years ago, (none in the last 12 years,
knock on wood) The first basket they used to scoop it out, did not work.
Of course, I got charged for both of them.

I'm trying to remember what I got charged for them. $450, I think. Ouch!
--
Jim in NC

[Private]

"Morgans" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Private" > wrote
>
snip
> Also, deck screws with a square drive are around. It may be that if there
> is still a royalty for using Robertson screws, they got around it in an
> innovative way. These screws I am talking about can be driven by a
> Phillips head driver (very poorly, though) but have the inside of the
> Phillips slots enlarged so that a square drive will fit in it. If you
> keep a reasonable amount of pressure on them, they WILL not slip.
>
> I look forward to seeing more and different kinds of hardware showing up
> with square drives. I'll switch every one out that I can find!
> --
> Jim in NC

I have not seen this type of decking screws but have been using some
European screws for assembling cabinet boxes that have this type of head.
IIRC they are called 'Conformat' and AFAIK are really designed for particle
board but are great for plywood. They have great clamping force but are not
pointed and do not tend to split the plys when screwed into the endgrain,
they do require a $pecial $tepped drill bit. They have a very sharp but
coarse pitch thread with a large flat landing at the root of the thread,
something like this --^----^----^----^----^-- These screws can also be
driven with either a big Philips or a #2 Robertson.

[Viperdoc[_4_]]

Yesterday I learned that the cheap plastic spatulas we use for bone cement
cost the hospital $48.00 for a set of two. They are literally 10 cents worth
of cheap injection molded plastic.

Yet, the hospitals are telling everyone that we need to cut back on
expenses. Who was the bonehead that signed off on the price of these items
anyway?

[Blueskies]

"Morgans" > wrote in message ...
:
: "Viperdoc" > wrote in message
: ...
: >I had a yellow handled Snap-On that matched my aerobatic plane. However,
: >needed the Modine heater in the hangar replaced one day, and after the work
: >the screwdriver was missing.
: >
: > Still not convinced that an electric is the way to go- it seems like they
: > chew up the head more than a manual. In the operating room we use mostly
: > hex sockets or torx head screws. Of course, a single bone screw can cost
: > close to $100.
:
: The key, like another poster said, is the use of a real low clutch setting.
: Simply put, the clutch slips at such a low torque setting, that there is not
: enough power to tear up a head. Loosen the first little bit, and tighten
: the last bit to the correct torque with a hand driver.
:
: Some screws, not requiring high torque, can still be done without using the
: hand screwdriver.
: --
: Jim in NC
:
:

Doesn't anyone use the old speed drivers or whatever they are called?

Doesn't anyone have any concerns about the DC motor sparks causing a problem around gasoline?

I use my electric also and the Makita has a nice smooth clutch and repeatable breakaway torque...

[RST Engineering]

Airline pilot bellies up to the bar next to this really pretty lady. He
smiles at her, talks into his watch, holds it up to his ear, talks into his
watch again, holds it up to his ear again...

She is curious and asks why he is talking and listening to his watch. He
says that it isn't a watch, that it is a personal database link and that it
always answers any question correctly. He goes on to say that he asked it
if she were wearing panties and it said that she was not.

She says that the watch may be a very fine thing, but that she was certainly
wearing panties.

He talks into the watch, listens, and says, "Of course. I just flew in from
New York. The thing is three hours fast."


Jim

[Jon Woellhaf]

Jay Honeck wrote
> ... I replaced all the structural screws around the gas tank with
> stainless steel screws ...

Did you use structural stainless steel screws?

[Judah]

"Private" > wrote in
news:wlkGh.1209916$5R2.723152@pd7urf3no:

> It must be winter, there is little flying so we are reduced to talking
> about screwing.

By your definition, I am a member of the Mile High Club after all.

[Judah]

"Viperdoc" > wrote in
:

> Yesterday I learned that the cheap plastic spatulas we use for bone
> cement cost the hospital $48.00 for a set of two. They are literally 10
> cents worth of cheap injection molded plastic.

The other $47.90 is to cover the cost of the liability insurance.

Another sad demonstration of how our outrageous legal system is destroying
our wonderful country.



I think lawyers should be banned from politics.