(Potentiometer) shaft adapters

[RuudNL]

For some DIY equipment I am looking for 6 mm (or 1/4") to 3 mm shaft adapters.
Who knows who sells these? (Preferably in Europe.)
I need them for some 'dual concentric' switch/pot combinations. The hollow shaft of the switch is only 3 mm.

 

[fragletrollet]

...almost

 

[RuudNL]

I need a 3 mm shaft on a 6 mm potentiometer.
I have a feeling they are commercially available, for example Sound Skulptor uses them in their kits in a
similar situation.

 

[fragletrollet]

Mentor also has shaft adapters, but they're for internal use I'd say, room the pot in the case and extend the shaft after adapting it to wanted size... Happy hunting, reichelt has pretty crap site search but there's gold to be found in the various categories

 

[RuudNL]

I found these on AliExpress. Might be a good alternative if I can't find better ones.
(6 <-> 3 mm.)

 

[rock soderstrom]

If I remember correctly, there was a post here not so long ago that touched this topic with a link parade - if only I could find that post, I would link it here.

Edit: found it.

https://groupdiy.com/threads/pot-sh...es-etc-links-to-suppliers.87360/#post-1147344

Maybe there is some useful info for you in it...

 

[rock soderstrom]

For some DIY equipment I am looking for 6 mm (or 1/4") to 3 mm shaft adapters.
Who knows who sells these? (Preferably in Europe.)

this, but pretty pricey

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/reducing-bushes/0689114

 

[RuudNL]

To avoid confusion: a have a potentiometer with a 6 mm shaft but I need a 3 mm shaft (to go through the hollow switch). Adapters to fit a 6 mm knob on a 3 or 4 mm shaft are more common.

 

[rock soderstrom]

I see, you need the adaptation in reverse. You need a lathe!

 

[Script]

The problem with those adapters on AliExpress
https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/4000196552485.html
could be that they are too long (with 20mm total length).

I have a similar problem. Broken-off shaft on custom pot. Pot can be replaced but then need 6mm to 3mm flat D adapter. Almost impossible, I think.

So I am thinking a plastic extender like this
https://aliexpress.com/item/4000934887207.html and then use a lathe-like cutting process.

I don't have a 3D printer, unfortunately. But this might be a reason (actually the second one) to finally buy one.

 

[Script]

A shaft extender ('shaft reducer') as on this page a little down is what might work. Prices on that site are exorbitant though and dimensions are imperial.
https://www.surplussales.com/ShaftHardware/ShaftH-8.html

 

[john12ax7]

1/8" to 1/4" are readily available if you can make that work.

 

[Evertide]

Drill a hole in the shaft...

 

[Script]

Hole in the shaft, hmm -- vertical or horizontal or both?

And how to make extension stay in place? Don't want it to come off with accidental pulling force on the knob.

 

[RuudNL]

Drill a hole in the shaft...

Maybe your mechanical skills are better than mine, but I don't see myself drilling a perfectly centered 3 mm hole in a 6 mm shaft...

 

[Evertide]

I have the same problem , only started with a 4 mm shaft to have a switch on top...

I will tell how i did make a taped 3 mm shaft ( brass ) in the now 6 mm pot...

 

[Script]

As for the one-off pot over here, I need a solution that does not involve having to buy expensive high-precision drilling tools. It's all basic DIY handheld.

How about dremelling or filing the 4mm shaft to fit into the slot of a knurled shaft like so?

Then use metal glue? And washers (6mm outside diameter) for centering? Also maybe cut tiny horizontal grooves into both shafts for glue to fill and hold in place?

Major operation though.

 

[Evertide]

I found these on AliExpress. Might be a good alternative if I can't find better ones.
(6 <-> 3 mm.)

Using a 6mm to 3mm as a drill guide...

 

[rackmonkey]

I went through this a while back. Spent a lot of time researching.

As i understand it, ideally, you’re hoping to find an adapter. Along the lines of this (from the Sound Skulptor kit you referenced):


After spending hours looking for essentially the same thing, I concluded that that’s a custom-machined part. You’ll find plenty of off-the-shelf adapters with 4mm shafts and 6mm collars (intended to adapt a drill chuck to a motor shaft), but I don’t think you’ll find a 3mm or 1/8 shaft with a 6mm or 1/4 collar. I even reached out to a couple of industrial supply houses with no luck.

In the end, I had just enough room in the build i was working on to use a reducing shaft coupler like the ones you referenced on Alibaba, along with a separate 1/8 shaft I cut for my needs:


The challenge with that solution is that it requires a little extra room vs a true adapter like those shown in the Sound Skulptor site. If you have the luxury of adequate room though, the coupler solution works nicely.

If you do actually find an off-the-shelf adaptor (and I'm not optimistic you will) please share. Good luck.

 

[merlin]

In the end, I had just enough room in the build i was working on to use a reducing shaft coupler like the ones you referenced on Alibaba, along with a separate 1/8 shaft I cut for my needs.

Do you not get problems with eccentricity? The centre knob jamming against the outer knob?