"Stiffening" pots

[Chasarms]

On one of my basses, there is a couple pots that are too easy to rotate. The slightest bump can knock the setting completely out of whack.

Anyone know of a way to "stiffen" them a bit so there is a bit more Resistance when you turn them?

 

[rojo412]

I'm guessing most people who do repair are going to suggest replacing the pot.

I'd try other things, though. There's no real way to adjust the tension on pots (cheap parts, you know?!?), but possibly putting a small felt disc under the knob to provide resistance of its movement, but not hinder any function.

 

[tbassist4]

If you can solder, I'd just invest in some nice CTS pots. They just go bad or wear out mechanically after a while. As rojo412 suggested, putting something in there like felt might help, but that will wear out soon enough too.

 

[PCR]

I've 'stiffened' up a couple of pots before.

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The shaft tension is held by two brass springs that rub against the carbon trace. You can carefully bend them up, to apply a little more pressure against the carbon trace. Also, add (or re-distribute) the grease at the bottom of the pot case. This will help add resistence to the shaft, and stiffen up the pot.

 

[DreadRaver]

I'm going to let you in on a little "trade secret" here:
O-rings.

Find an o-ring that fits over the stem of the pot.
Then position the knob down so that the O-ring is jammed between the knob and the pot so that the friction makes it harder to move. This might not work with every combination of pot/knob but it works great on the pedals we build.