Post : The cool kids all file their resistors for accuracy
URL : http://hackaday.com/2012/07/05/the-cool-kids-all-file-their-resistors-for-accuracy/
Posted : July 5, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Author : Mike Szczys
Tags : accuracy, file, resistor
Categories : misc hacks

http://hackadaycom.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/file-your-resistors-e1341489529391.jpg

Here's a tip to keep in your back pocket, you can use a metal file to adjust your resistors (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQDjjIvLaj4) . [Gareth] shows off this technique in the video after the break. A metal file is literally all that you need to do some fine tuning. Just make sure you're starting off with a carbon film resistor as this will not work with the metal film variety.

His example shows a 10k resistor which is reading just 9.92k on his multimeter. But he needs precisely 10k. After getting through the protective layer he makes just a couple of passes with a small file, each time adding about 20 Ohms of resistance. Now he does mention that excessive deep cuts can hurt the power rating of the resistor. But this certainly isn't damaging it if done correctly. It turns out this is how they are tuned at the factory.

One possible use he mentions is trimming the balance on a hacked servo motor.

Read more of this post (http://hackaday.com/2012/07/05/the-cool-kids-all-file-their-resistors-for-accuracy/#more-78940)

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