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Tightening nut without spinning pot?

Rocktometrist

Rocktometrist

Oct 3, 2012
479
521
Seattle
#1
OK, that's a weird thread title! :)

This is probably a dumb question: but does anyone have a tip on installing a new pot without having it spin? I've used locking washers (or whatever they're called--the washers with little teeth on them), and I still find it hard to keep the center detent pointing north after I tighten down the nut (since the pot wants to spin clockwise as it's being tightened down).

Any tips on how to stop that from happening? Thanks!
 
#6
walterw said:
+1 on the proper lock washer on the other side, but holding the pot to keep it from turning is still SOP.
Click to expand...

This is true, when there is enough room (usually). The real way is to key the panel to fit the slot in the pot's bushing, which positively locks the pot in position. It isn't done much anymore because of the extra cost of cutting a keyed hole.
 
#7
Rocktometrist said:
OK, that's a weird thread title! :)

This is probably a dumb question: but does anyone have a tip on installing a new pot without having it spin? I've used locking washers (or whatever they're called--the washers with little teeth on them), and I still find it hard to keep the center detent pointing north after I tighten down the nut (since the pot wants to spin clockwise as it's being tightened down).

Any tips on how to stop that from happening? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Why worry about it? As long as the pot doesn't turn after the installation and here is no tension on any electrical connections, just reset the knob so it points in the proper orientation.
 
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#9
Lownote38 said:
I just hold the back of the pot with my hand while tightening it. I have yet to have a problem doing it that way.
Click to expand...

This is pretty much it! However, you should be aware that most standard pots have a little tang that sticks out from the edge of the pot. That little protrusion is designed to fit into a small hole to keep the pot from rotating as you tighten the nut (or even later should the nut come a bit loose). Generally to make the tang dig into the panel (or fit into the indexing hole) you can't have anything (like nut or lockwasher) between the pot and the panel. The lock washer then goes under the nut to keep it from working loose later. What I usually do is take all washers and nuts off the pot and putting in the panel (wood of bass or metal control plate). I orient the pot so it's positioned correctly and then mark where the little tang is. I take the pot out and try to drill a small hole for the tang that does not go clear through the panel and yet locks the pot from turning. Usually it works out great.
 
#10
Rocktometrist said:
OK, that's a weird thread title! :)

This is probably a dumb question: but does anyone have a tip on installing a new pot without having it spin? I've used locking washers (or whatever they're called--the washers with little teeth on them), and I still find it hard to keep the center detent pointing north after I tighten down the nut (since the pot wants to spin clockwise as it's being tightened down).

Any tips on how to stop that from happening? Thanks!
Click to expand...
sissy kathy said:
Why worry about it? As long as the pot doesn't turn after the installation and here is no tension on any electrical connections, just reset the knob so it points in the proper orientation.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I can't see why this would matter unless you had a D-shaft or something.
 
#12
bassbenj said:
This is pretty much it! However, you should be aware that most standard pots have a little tang that sticks out from the edge of the pot. That little protrusion is designed to fit into a small hole to keep the pot from rotating as you tighten the nut (or even later should the nut come a bit loose). Generally to make the tang dig into the panel (or fit into the indexing hole) you can't have anything (like nut or lockwasher) between the pot and the panel. The lock washer then goes under the nut to keep it from working loose later. What I usually do is take all washers and nuts off the pot and putting in the panel (wood of bass or metal control plate). I orient the pot so it's positioned correctly and then mark where the little tang is. I take the pot out and try to drill a small hole for the tang that does not go clear through the panel and yet locks the pot from turning. Usually it works out great.
Click to expand...


I have 4 fender pots waiting for installation right now; NONE of them have anything to keep them from spinning neither a keyway, a tang as part of the pot or as part of the shaft. Part numbers 0990834000, EP 5385-000 and, EP 5386-000. Take me to school!
 
Last edited:
#13
sissy kathy said:
I have 4 fender pots waiting for installation right now; NONE of them have anything to keep them from spinning neither a keyway, a tang as part of the pot or as part of the shaft. Part numbers 0990834000, EP 5385-000 and, EP 5386-000. Take me to school!
Click to expand...

Not all pots have them. It is also very common for people to break them off, for panel mounting without an index hole.
Potentiometer.jpg
 

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