Members ashtray Posted October 14, 2008 Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 Besides the obvious method of replacing it, what can I do to fix a broken pot that is attached to a PCB? Now, the pot itself isn't broken - but the shaft of the pot is. Nothing is sticking up to turn. I had a couple ideas, but wasn't sure if they would work: Drill a small hole into the top of the shaft and then insert a tiny screw glued in to the hole. Carefully turn the screw to adust the pot. Solder (the area on top of the pot shaft is so small, this would be impossible) something on top of the broken shaft. I'm trying to avoid touching the PCB, but will likely have to go that route - or pay someone to do it ($$$). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BindingNut Posted October 14, 2008 Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 Heat up with a soldering iron, the tip of a sewing needle, and bond it to the end.That's your new shaft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Mr Songwriter Posted October 14, 2008 Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 If you've damaged the pot that badly, I don't see how you can be sure you haven't done any internal damage to the pot (tracks, contacts etc) I wouldn't want to rely on a pot like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dcindc Posted October 14, 2008 Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 Anything you try will actually be harder than replacing the pot. If it is pcb mounted you'll need a wide selection to choose from, to get a perfect match. I recommend mouser.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ashtray Posted October 14, 2008 Author Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 Heat up with a soldering iron, the tip of a sewing needle, and bond it to the end.That's your new shaft. How exactly would I bond it? I don't think it would just press in to the shaft, even hot. Am I back to drilling a hole? JB Weld? Another idea I had was the dremel a slot in the shaft so I could turn it with a screwdriver (as I would do to a stripped screw head). The problem though is that the part that turns is flush with the surrounding threaded part of the shaft, so I'd have to cut both - and risk not being able to remove the pot in the future... or having a small burr in the cut prevent the pot from turning. Strangely enough, I'd be happy enough not being able to turn it, if I just knew what position it was in currently! Or maybe just be able to set it to the middle and then not be able to use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ItchyFingers Posted October 14, 2008 Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 I agree with songwriter and dc, just replace that beeotch. I am in the same boat with my Studio, the shaft on my bridge tone knob is half broken. I'm waiting on a new pot to come in the mail, then its off to the solder station... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sunn 0))) Posted October 14, 2008 Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 take a small pig, and bond him to the shaft with super glue. you said creative... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BindingNut Posted October 14, 2008 Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 How exactly would I bond it? I don't think it would just press in to the shaft, even hot. Am I back to drilling a hole? If it's a cheap(zinc) needle, you can melt the things on a stove top, an iron will make it pliable enough at the tip to press on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bluesrock70's Posted October 14, 2008 Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 JB Weld or as seen on TV Mighty Putty both will work:thu: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Daveydude Posted October 14, 2008 Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 Just replace the pot......how much easier can it be? I mean, just replace the wires just as they were on the original. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ashtray Posted October 14, 2008 Author Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 Just replace the pot......how much easier can it be? I mean, just replace the wires just as they were on the original. No wires. It's actually on my amp - the pot is connected directly to the PCB, and I fear soldering on that, screwing something up, and then essentially breaking the amp. Right now the amp works, I just can't adjust the EQ controls. If they were flat, then I'd be ok - but I'm not convinced they are flat. That all said, the amp doesn't sound "bad" at the moment, so maybe I'll just leave it as the mystery setting and not mess with it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members whiteyanderson Posted October 14, 2008 Members Share Posted October 14, 2008 you in L.A.? give this guy a call, i'm taking my orange to him. good guy, fast, cheap. no affiliation. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/msg/878100784.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ashtray Posted October 15, 2008 Author Members Share Posted October 15, 2008 you in L.A.? give this guy a call, i'm taking my orange to him. good guy, fast, cheap. no affiliation.http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/msg/878100784.html I got a quote from him - wasn't exceptionally expensive, but combined with his location (I'm outside of LA), it would be too much to repair for what the amp is worth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Daveydude Posted October 15, 2008 Members Share Posted October 15, 2008 My bad.....thought you were talking about a guit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members budkingston Posted October 15, 2008 Members Share Posted October 15, 2008 If you are not worried about fixing it, take a pencil with a new eraser and using dowward force, spin the pot where you want it and leave it. Or, a dab od JB weld on the head of a nail. Use a styrofoam cup to hold it in place till it cures. Bend the nail 90 degreees. Sloting it isn't a bad idea either. It, you want to set it and go, it doesn't need to be cut very deep. You are right in that it might not be worth it to fix it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members lowbrow Posted October 15, 2008 Members Share Posted October 15, 2008 I dunno.....I'd try to fix it first...if that didn't work, then I'd replace it. But then, I have more time than money:) If the pot shaft is aluminum.... a small..new (read:sharp) drill bit in a hand vise will drill a hole allowing you to superglue (carefully!) a screw in...you're idea and it's a good one. If the shaft is brass....I think you may be {censored}ed.... Either way I would use a pin vise and drill by hand....assuring you will not generate enough heat to cook the pot...a possibility if you use a power tool of somekind. Barring all that....mouser.com per our man DCinDC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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