Batboard

The bottom of a Saber uses a slotted security screw. The screwdriver is called a "spanner". It looks like a normal slotted screwdriver with the middle ground out. My question is this: Spanners come in several sizes - What is the proper size for the Saber? #4, #6, #8, etc? Any help would be appreciated. Im tired of using my homemade one.

Jim

I have always wondered that, I use an eyeglass type screwdriver and never had trouble.

In those small bit kits you see at hamfests in either red
or blue plastic holders, the Saber bit is the second one
from the end.

I just took a regular flat head screwdriver and ground the center out with a rotary tool...

Tom in D.C. wrote:In those small bit kits you see at hamfests in either red
or blue plastic holders, the Saber bit is the second one
from the end.

Before I used these, I used the 'pinch the small needle nose pliers' method of opening sabers...Not recommended!

Look for this bitset:
http://www.landmelectronics.com/product.cfm/5392/
The one you want is on the right side, fourth from the top. Uness you're desperate, I wouldn't pay more then $5.

Using whatever tool you choose, be careful not to over torque the screws on the bottom of the Saber base plate. I can't recall from memory what the book says, but it is a low value, and the use of a torque limiting screwdriver is highly recommended.

Go get a $1 scredriver from a dollar store or Wal-Mart, grab your dremel tool with a cutoff wheel, and notch out the center. A few minutes work and you got one dedicated for the use.

The spanner tool for the Saber base plate nuts.

The dimensions are as follows:

1. Spanner teeth: .045" thick

2. Spanner tool diameter: .250"

3. Individual tooth length(from outside to center: .070"

4. Spanner tooth overall height: .100"

My tool was custom fabricated at my family's machine shop and heat treated, but the dimensions are good and do work smoothly and fits snugly as well.

The center of the tool was drilled out to accept the screw as the nuts are drawn down, but actually never get to that height, but it's a good safety measure to prevent the possibility.

Spanner nut torque: 6 Inch pounds MAX.

Case screw torque: 2 Inch pounds MAX.

This also includes module retention screws inside the case (U4) as well as the PA side screws and bottom screw.

Although I coat the PA with an extremely light coating of silicone thermal compund, it is not required, but I have found no detriment to its use either.

Should anybody wish to have one of these spanner nut drivers custom made, you can make contact with my father at his machine shop back in Wisconsin, he already has the dimensions and knows what's required.

It's not a simple or cheap method of obtaining a tool, but they are sweet to have.

Interested parties should contact him here:

Ernie's mini-Machine shop
P.O. box 475
St. Germain, WI. 54558
715.479.2249
[email protected]

Tell him you would like to have a tool made like you made for his son, he'll know exactly what you are talking about!

You can also copy & paste the dimensions I posted previously on this tool elsewhere and send that along with your request.

Just a word of warning, it's not going to be any $2.00 hack job, but it will last you a lifetime!

He also heat treats the steel for added strength!