"No mar" 5/16" hex nut driver for fitting switches to front panel without marks

[Silvas]

Hello guys,

Looking for something that won't damage / scratch anodized front panels (super delicate) when tightening toggle switches ! I've even got made some of then in a 3D printer but they're not hard enough, not durable...Metal ones will scratch if i do the slightest pressure on the panel. Any ideas ??

 

[scott2000]

Maybe plasti dip on the tool??

 

[Gold]

If you use a pliers instead of a nut driver you can grab the nut above the panel surface. I do most of the tightening with my fingers and use a pliers for the last 1/4 turn.

I don't know how I ever lived without these little pliers. https://chadstoolbox.com/08-05-110-knipex-combination-pliers/

 

[JohnRoberts]

maybe try a layer of (masking, gaffer, whatever) tape on the face of the nut driver.

JR

 

[radardoug]

Could be your front panels. Anodising is normally very hard.

 

[Rob Flinn]

Do the front nut up by hand.  Then tighten the rear nut up with a slim spanner.  No need to use a hex driver on the front at all .....

 

[Jeff Goodman2]

Here at Empirical Labs we put some shrink tube over the end of the driver. Works great.

Jeff

 

[rackmonkey]

Here at Empirical Labs we put some shrink tube over the end of the driver. Works great.

Jeff

Nice idea, Jeff. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Ricardus]

Here at Empirical Labs we put some shrink tube over the end of the driver. Works great.

Jeff

This is very distressing.

 

[TwentyTrees]

Genius! Top tip, thanks for sharing.

Here at Empirical Labs we put some shrink tube over the end of the driver. Works great.

Jeff

 

[Fuzz Face]

I use a piece of paper like a business card with a hole cut in it to protect the front panel. Just slip it between the panel and tool before tightening

I like that heat shrink tip though, thanks for that!

 

[Jeff Goodman2]

It works well, I hope it helps you.
Btw I've been a member here for many years. I just don't post much anymore.

Best, Jeff