29 May
2005
29 May
'05
10:28 a.m.
I'm still surprised that it affects the machine at
all though (unlike
Of course it dows. There were good reasons for the original choice of
screw at the time the machine was produced. Those reasons are so
important now, but they are part of the design of the machine.
say things like cutting holes in cases). It's just
a screw (plus of
course it's rare to see a machine where the motherboard slot screws are
all original anyway). If it makes life easier for anyone responsible for
Well, how many other non-original screws are in that machine?
maintaining the machine, and it doesn't do
anything that can't be *very
easily* put back, then I'm surprised it's seen as a big deal.
If it's so easy to put back, then put it back now.
Why not just buy the Bristol Spline key. I think you only need one size,
and I think Farnell sell the Xcellite 99 blades individually. Just buy
the tool and a handle, and there's no problem. If you _really_ want me
to, I'll take my 5155 apart, find out which blade you need, and post the
Xcellite number, etc.
Particularly on this specific machine, which is common
as dirt.
Is it? I've only seen one 'in the flesh', that's the one I own. They are
not that common.
Maybe there's a whole class of machines that use these screws. This
IBM's the only one I've come across that specifically needs a certain
tool (that doesn't get shipped with the machine).
Eh? How many computers come with even a flat-blade screwdriver? Let alone
nutdrivers, Torx drivers, Allen keys, soldering iron, pliers, cutters,
etc. All of which you are likely to need to work on at least some machines?
IBM were the main computer company to use Bristol Spline screws. They are
common in IBM typewriters, for example. And in Friden Flexowriters, as I
mentioned the other day.
-tony