Lower rod twist/wiggle GONE!

[CharlesUpstateNY]

My Equinox 800 lower rod was loose out of the box, the twist lock barely had any bite on the lower rod so the coil twisted and wiggled. I applied some .003 inch brass shim stock with super glue in the area the twist lock clamps, this increased the lower rod diameter .006 inches which was perfect. With the twist lock at full unlock its a very snug interference fit, now when I lock the twist lock it has a death grip on the lower rod

 

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[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

That brass piece looks like it would ring up around 25-26. I wonder if there is a nylon version available?

 

[CharlesUpstateNY]

PA the brass piece is inside the aluminum middle shaft so not an issue.

 

[StinkinLincoln]

Where did you get the brass shim?

 

[CharlesUpstateNY]

Where did you get the brass shim?

At my local hardware store, several sheets of various thicknesses come in a pack for a few dollars. Look for the small display of brass metals, typically small diameter round and square tubing, strips of flat stock, and packs of this shim stock. Don't go thicker than .003 inch.

Steps: You can cut .003 brass shim stock with a pair of scissors. I cut a strip about 1 inch wide and trimmed the length so that when wrapped around the lower rod there's a small gap between the ends e.g. they don't butt or overlap. Round the corners.

1. Roll the shim stock around a 1/2 diameter pin or tube to round it. I wrapped it tightly around a lawn spreader pin tightly and secured with some blue painters tape for a few minutes. When I removed the tape it held a rounded shape. Slip it onto the lower rod and position it a few inches below where you will glue it in place.

2. Look at the lower rod and find the square scuffed area where the twist lock has been clamping onto the rod. Wrap some blue painters tape around the lower rod about 3/8 inch above this. You will be sliding the brass shim up the lower rod, into the super glue, this blue painters tape is your stop.

3. Apply a few drops of super glue to the lower rod below the blue painters tape. You want to glue both ends of the brass down. You want to position the brass shim so the end gap is 90 degrees from where the twist lock cam presses against the rod, so 90 degrees to the snap pin/coil. This way its not clamping onto the gap.

5. Slide the brass shim up into the glue and against the painters tape stop. Wipe off any excess glue then wrap some painters tape tightly around the brass to clamp it until the glue dries. You don't want an edge of the brass sticking up.

Once mine dried it was a snug fit inserting to the middle shaft, I had to gently rotate the lower rod to get it started, go easy. I was surprised it was this snug, definitely should go no thicker than .003.

 

[GreenMeanie]

Could even use metal tape for furnaces if you have any laying around.

 

[chub]

beer can

chub

 

[dirtlooter]

simple and very clean fix no matter the material used, should last quite a while too.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Nice modification!

 

[flgliderpilot]

Small (fixed) metal parts are usually not a problem around the coil...detector is looking for a shift in inductance... that requires change, ie: motion

 

[CygnusX1]

Very nice mod!

 

[Possum]

Outstanding modification Charlie!!! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us. That'll definitely hold me over until Steve get's his new lower rod's ready, then I'll have a workable spare thanks to you!!! "D"

 

[Minelab Matt]

I put a thin layer of insulation tape anf now there id no wobble whatsoever.

Matt.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Nice idea.