Pot Shafts: Split vs. Solid...What's the Diff?

[Zooberwerx]

This question actually came about while searching for replacement knobs for an EMG harness. I know I need knobs with set-screws (as opposed to push-on) but I see some designated as "split shaft" and others as "solid shaft" compatible. Are there sizing or application differences I should know about?

Thanks

Riis

[metalmariachi]

the solid/split just lets you know one is set screw and the other push on.
Get the solid shaft ones, they will have the set screw.
Just make sure they are for ¼ inch shaft and not 1/8 inch and you'll be ok.

MM

[bassmanrocke]

Since it is getting harder to find solid shaft pots, you can use split shaft pots if necessary. If you do, one suggestion; Cut down a pick to the size of the split and place the piece of the pick in the split immediately before putting on the knob. This will allow you to tighten down on the set screw without bending one side of the post over to the other. The result is that the path of the knob will be more circular than it would without the pick piece.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by metalmariachi

the solid/split just lets you know one is set screw and the other push on.
Get the solid shaft ones, they will have the set screw.
Just make sure they are for ¼ inch shaft and not 1/8 inch and you'll be ok.

MM

Hmmm....now I'm confused (nothing new). I see a lot of barrel / dome knobs designated for split-shaft that also have a set screw. Not to worry; I've got solid-shaft (6mm?) posts.

Riis

[bongomania]

FWIW if in a catalog I saw a knob designated for split-shaft but having a set screw, I would automatically assume whoever put the catalog together made a mistake. But since you've got solid shaft pots, a set screw is what you need. I think 6mm is about 1/4" (I don't have a ruler handy just now).

[BruceWane]

6mm is just a hair under 1/4" (0.25" = 6.35mm)

If you use set-screw knobs with split shaft pots, either do the pick trick described above or set the knob on the shaft so that the screw is pointing into the edge of the slot in the shaft, like this >=, not across like this >ll. You don't want the screw to squeeze the sides of the shaft together 'cause they'll bend and your knob will end up sitting crooked, it'll be wobbly and it won't hang on very well.

Hopefully that makes sense

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by BruceWane

6mm is just a hair under 1/4" (0.25" = 6.35mm)

If you use set-screw knobs with split shaft pots, either do the pick trick described above or set the knob on the shaft so that the screw is pointing into the edge of the slot in the shaft, like this >=, not across like this >ll. You don't want the screw to squeeze the sides of the shaft together 'cause they'll bend and your knob will end up sitting crooked, it'll be wobbly and it won't hang on very well.

Hopefully that makes sense

Yes, I've used that trick before but thanks for the reminder! This wouldn't be a problem if the stock EMG ka-nobs weren't plastic pieces of s***.

Riis