Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

[dotsdad]

I want to switch the position of my tone pot and 3-way switch. Trouble is that the switch hole has a 1/2" diameter, but the pot's shaft is only 1/4". What's the best way to get the pot to fit in the larger hole without it wiggling around? Are there any guitar pots with 1/2" shafts by any chance??

:feedback:

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

Poker chip
Bottle cap

 

[dotsdad]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

You lost me dude. Care to explain?

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

There are guitar pots with 3/8" and 1/4" shafts. A 3/8" shaft pot will still wiggle around in the 1/2" switch hole. I've seen sleeves to reduce holes for 3/8" shaft pots to accommodate 1/4" shaft pots but nothing specific for 1/2" down to 3/8" or 1/4". You could probably make a reducer sleeve out of PEX tube/pipe. The 3/8" tube has 1/2" OD and a little under 3/8" ID. May require a little sanding but should be easy enough to get to work.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

You lost me dude. Care to explain?

Like Darg said
You will need to fill it Some way
Two large fender washers with quarter inch holes

One inside the hole and one outside
This will sandwich the hole

The one on the outside will be noticeable

If you use a poker chip or bottle cap
It will make it more attractive possibly

 

[AlexR]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

Washer top and bottom is what I've used for some of smaller pot shafts in imperial holes. The clamping mechanism of the nut/thread holds it in place.

 

[orpheo]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

By a CTS pot. Those shaftsare 3/8" and should wiggle less than 1/4".

 

[Zombiwoof]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

It's the bushing that is 3/8'', the shaft is 1/4" on standard pots. The bushing is what you are trying to fit in the larger hole.
Al

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

Maybe take a 1/2” wooden dowel and cut a piece equal to the thickness of the guitar top and glue it in the hole. Maybe with epoxy or gel super glue.

When the glue dries, drill a hole in it the size you need.

 

[fordmugg]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

Thick 3/8 washer, ground the outside diameter to 1/2

 

[Artie]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

You could probably make a reducer sleeve out of PEX tube/pipe.

That's along the lines of what I do. There's a clear vinyl tubing that fits 3/8" bushings perfectly. Any home improvement store will have it.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

It's the bushing that is 3/8'', the shaft is 1/4" on standard pots. The bushing is what you are trying to fit in the larger hole.
Al

Thank you for the correction. I should have said that there are pots with 3/8" or 1/4" diameter bushings.

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Best way to put 1/4" shaft pot in 1/2" diameter hole?

Drilling a hole in a penny is cheap.