# Jacks and nuts, tips and tricks **URL:** \ **Category:** DIY STUFF\ **Created:** [September 13, 2020, 4:06pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795 "2020-09-13T16:06:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![THOGRE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/thogre/32/5189_2.png) [@THOGRE](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/THOGRE)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2020, 4:06pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/1 "2020-09-13T16:06:44Z")
You also probably know that your module is ready and you are screwing the bulk-bought sockets from our cheap sellers into the panel and not holding the nuts properly. Do you have any tricks other than using a new nut now? ---
**Author:** ![heckseven](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/heckseven/32/23483_2.png) [@heckseven](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/heckseven)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2020, 6:04pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/2 "2020-09-13T18:04:23Z")
Not really sure what you’re asking here. Here are the tricks I know to avoid striping threads or breaking things: - Put the components into the panel and screw the nuts on before soldering - When putting a nut on, turn it counter clockwise until you feel it sort of click. Then turn it normally and tighten into place - Sockets are pretty handy for tightening the nuts. Open wrenches could slip and scratch the panel - If a nut is hard to turn, it’s likely cross threaded. Back it off and start over with properly aligned threads - Don’t tighten them fully until all the nuts are in place. Then use sort of a star pattern to tighten them like you would on the wheel of a car - Don’t overtighten. That’s an easy way to crack or strip something - You can re-tap stripped nuts or holes. If the bolt is stripped, you might need a threading file matching the thread count followed by a rethreading die. I wouldn’t bother unless the part is hard to replace. ---
**Author:** ![THOGRE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/thogre/32/5189_2.png) [@THOGRE](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/THOGRE)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2020, 6:39pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/3 "2020-09-13T18:39:22Z")
I forgot that most of us don’t build with 3.5mm jacks. With the small ones, it is often the case that the nuts are a very, very small piece too big (at least with the cheap ones from ali express etc.) and therefore do not hold properly. And for that there has to be a solution. And now please don’t say “just build KOSMO format” 😝 ---
**Author:** ![heckseven](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/heckseven/32/23483_2.png) [@heckseven](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/heckseven)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2020, 7:49pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/4 "2020-09-13T19:49:00Z")
Ah! Right! The small jacks do have flimsy nuts sometimes. Perhaps, it might be worth picking up a small box of nuts that are a little stronger (and washers). ---
**Author:** ![ChristianBloch](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/christianbloch/32/56_2.png) [@ChristianBloch](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/ChristianBloch)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2020, 8:18pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/5 "2020-09-13T20:18:57Z")
Definitely get extra nuts. I have been using hex nuts for a while, but I recently found some thicc knurled nuts at local Anchor Electronics that I like a lot. The flimsy ones that come with knockoff thonkiconns are atrocious. ---
**Author:** ![devicex](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/devicex/32/28_2.png) [@devicex](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/devicex)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2020, 8:45pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/6 "2020-09-13T20:45:03Z")
yeah I bought hex nuts from Thonk . [https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/3-5mm-jacks/](https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/3-5mm-jacks/) they are way better than the aluminum pieces of crap that come with most cheap 3.5’s ---
**Author:** ![Bitnik](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/bitnik/32/274_2.png) [@Bitnik](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Bitnik)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2020, 9:54pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/7 "2020-09-13T21:54:13Z")
> [@THOGRE](#): > > And now please don’t say “just build KOSMO format” Obviously not. Don’t go nuts. Go bananas: ![IMG_20200630_154731605](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/2X/5/55623ed5e68ffce9b1f7f5cea9429f58e479a329.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![SYNTHGUY57](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/synthguy57/32/14422_2.png) [@SYNTHGUY57](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/SYNTHGUY57)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 6:50am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/8 "2020-09-14T06:50:59Z")
me too love this place , go there about 2 times a week , maybe we have seen each other leave or enter ---
**Author:** ![ChristianBloch](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/christianbloch/32/56_2.png) [@ChristianBloch](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/ChristianBloch)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 6:59am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/9 "2020-09-14T06:59:57Z")
Ha, wouldn’t surprise me. That’s about how often I’m there. And I’m always there for longer than I had planned to be 😂 ---
**Author:** ![Flounderguts](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/flounderguts/32/7505_2.png) [@Flounderguts](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Flounderguts)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2020, 8:07pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/10 "2020-10-05T20:07:28Z")
[These.](https://lovemyswitches.com/rocket-sockets-pedal-building-socket-set/) No reliefs on the flats. They fit right down to the panel, and don’t scratch. ---
**Author:** ![ChristianBloch](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/christianbloch/32/56_2.png) [@ChristianBloch](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/ChristianBloch)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2020, 10:03pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/11 "2020-10-05T22:03:43Z")
I’ve almost ordered that set multiple times 😀 ---
**Author:** ![THOGRE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/thogre/32/5189_2.png) [@THOGRE](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/THOGRE)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2020, 2:45pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/12 "2020-10-06T14:45:56Z")
That’s fantastic, BUT I think someone can 3d print it cheaper ---
**Author:** ![analogoutput](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/analogoutput/32/29663_2.png) [@analogoutput](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/analogoutput)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2020, 2:50pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/13 "2020-10-06T14:50:50Z")
No doubt, but these are glass fiber reinforced Nylon; a 3D printed version probably would be less durable. ---
**Author:** ![THOGRE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/thogre/32/5189_2.png) [@THOGRE](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/THOGRE)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2020, 3:31pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/14 "2020-10-06T15:31:01Z")
It is a fact! By the way, I’ve tried thread locking for the cheap round 3.5mm aluminum nuts and it holds surprisingly well. ---
**Author:** ![willow2x](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/willow2x/32/5343_2.png) [@willow2x](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/willow2x)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2020, 9:27pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/15 "2020-10-06T21:27:46Z")
Ive printed a set in PLA and they did wear out pretty fast, tho i didnt heat treat them or do anything special to harden them. Ive seen PETG is a good material for [FPV Quadcopter](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjvlB7RjnYI) frames so may be it’ll hold up for a bit longer =) But IMO its quicker to go to whatever bargain basement there is and buy a cheap socket set for few quid =D ---
**Author:** ![analogoutput](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/analogoutput/32/29663_2.png) [@analogoutput](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/analogoutput)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2020, 9:52pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/16 "2020-10-06T21:52:22Z")
Most sockets are not deep enough for pots and switches, though. There are deep sockets but not as often found in bargain basements. ---
**Author:** ![THOGRE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/thogre/32/5189_2.png) [@THOGRE](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/THOGRE)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2020, 8:26am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/17 "2020-10-07T08:26:16Z")
@willow2x I’ve flown FPV Race Copter for a couple of years and I can tell you that a printed frame won’t survive a single real crash. This is possible with a camera drone a la DJI Phantom with which you can comfortably hover and take beautiful photos, but definitely not for a race copter. Many of the parts for it, cam holders or VTX holders are printed from PETG and that works well. I can also well imagine that these screwdrivers will work well with 100% infill, you don’t tighten the nuts to the end either. After fest comes off 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![willow2x](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/willow2x/32/5343_2.png) [@willow2x](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/willow2x)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2020, 11:23am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/18 "2020-10-07T11:23:48Z")
IMO it does depend on the frame size and motor/prop size. I dont imagine a 5inch prop running 2206 motors on 4 cell would survive many crashes. But i can definitely see a 3inch prop with some 1407 holding out on a 4cell crash, since the frame is smaller and lighter. I cant remember what i printed of the panel tools at (infil wise - probably 60-80%) i did a normal layer height .2mm. Next time ill try a finer layer height and 100% infil and let you know how they cope =) ---
**Author:** ![Flounderguts](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/flounderguts/32/7505_2.png) [@Flounderguts](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Flounderguts)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2020, 3:56am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/19 "2020-10-18T03:56:21Z")
The Rocket Sockets sold a year ago WERE a 3D printed product. Here’s the thing about 3D printing…it’s not a production process. Once you get to a certain volume, injection molding is cheaper and stronger. I only wish they were biodegradable or recyclable. The reason they are better than metal sockets is because there is no nut relief. On most sockets, there is a rounded corner going into each face. That means you have no real grip on a thin jack nut. You end up pressing really hard, and scratch something. I tried grinding some metal sockets down so that there was no relief, but they tended to be even scratchier. I even took them flat on a surface grinder, but the outside edges still tended to make smooth spots on the black panels I use. The Rocket Sockets just solve all of the problems. ---
**Author:** ![juggle](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/juggle/32/6100_2.png) [@juggle](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/juggle)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2020, 4:57am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/jacks-and-nuts-tips-and-tricks/1795/20 "2020-10-18T04:57:27Z")
> [@willow2x](#): > > IMO it does depend on the frame size and motor/prop size. I dont imagine a 5inch prop running 2206 motors on 4 cell would survive many crashes. But i can definitely see a 3inch prop with some 1407 holding out on a 4cell crash, since the frame is smaller and lighter. Very true. I actually placed in an instructables contest a few years back for a 5" quad made mostly from printed parts. But I used 1/2" wood dowels for the arms. I did design a FPV pod for it - but it was ridiculously difficult to assemble the pod and you still had props in the frame. I mostly built it as a test bed to see how angled arms affected flight - and as a way to experiment with making a parametric design in openscad: [Mostly Parameterized OpenSCAD mini quad with angled arms by jhitesma - Thingiverse](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1492827) It wasn’t the prettiest…and the angled arms were a big Meh - but it was surprisingly tough. I did break the PETG center piece once or twice, but I broke more 1/2" wood dowels than printed parts - and the printed motor mounts/protectors out of PLA never failed. ![20160512_220630](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/2X/2/2807ad303e7195d5a5186995423a46142cb19b12.jpeg) And my little 1103 build on an entirely printed frame has to crash REALLY spectacularly to break a frame: ![20170416_211022](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/2X/4/49f07c447199d5cb9ebc99c31e7f6aae05cd79c2.jpeg) Took a lot of revisions to get a frame that was strong and light as well as stiff: ![20170408_183312](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/2X/f/fd035c2e8a7666f456621e1b73c0f24664561d58.jpeg) The final frame I printed out of Nylon and have never managed to break it. But getting it to print well in nylon was a real pain. I hadn’t thought of printing sockets for tightening nuts on my modular…but now I’m tempted because I’m usually to lazy to go out to my shop and get a socket (and don’t want to separate it from the full set) so having a custom tool on my desk just for tightening jack nuts and another for switch nuts and a third for pot nuts…sounds kind of tempting.