Touch contacts, body points, and galvanic sensors are all names given by the DIY community to these
Cap Nuts! Often seen on circuit bent devices and some DIY synths they are quite elegant. Basically they are regular nuts with a metal dome. The back of the package features bolt sizes that will work with a particular set. It is critical to pick the right length for the case thickness because of the obvious limitations posed by the capped off nut. However washers can be used to solve the issue. The wire from a particular point on the circuit board can be threaded through the bolt with a use of a
ring terminal. This package cost me $0.89, but some can get expensive. Any decent hardware store should have them, but finding these amongst all the other parts can be tricky. So ask for them by name, loud and clear.
"Pardon me, but do you know where I can find some Cap Nuts?"
Touch contacts, body points, and galvanic sensors are all names given by the DIY community to these Cap Nuts! Often seen on circuit bent devices and some DIY synths they are quite elegant. Basically they are regular nuts with a metal dome. The back of the package features bolt sizes that will work with a particular set. It is critical to pick the right length for the case thickness because of the obvious limitations posed by the capped off nut. However washers can be used to solve the issue. The wire from a particular point on the circuit board can be threaded through the bolt with a use of a ring terminal. This package cost me $0.89, but some can get expensive. Any decent hardware store should have them, but finding these amongst all the other parts can be tricky. So ask for them by name, loud and clear. "Pardon me, but do you know where I can find some Cap Nuts?"
6 Comments:
At 4/04/2006 03:07:48 PM, sailormouth said…
You can also buy "all-thread" in the correct size/pitch, regular nut, and Lok-tite. Cut all-thread to length. Apply Lok-tite to inside cap nut, screw in all-thread, and let Lok-tite set. Then you basically had a bolt to the length you want/need. Use regular nut to fasten. I've done that on a few projects.
You can also get cap nuts in different platings/metals/finishes (ie nickel,chrome,brass plating and brass or stainless). Resistance will be somewhat affected by those choices and any clear coating that maybe applied (especially brass coated to prevent corrosion).
At 4/04/2006 03:12:46 PM, Master said…
All thread, thats a great idea. Thanks for sharing your tips.
At 4/04/2006 09:31:43 PM, Allerian said…
Keep your eyes open and you can find solid brass cap nuts. When combined with a solid brass bolt, you get the most sensitive body contact out there.
At 4/05/2006 02:35:12 PM, Anonymous said…
I prefer using thumbtacks, low profile.
At 4/07/2006 05:31:51 PM, kaden said…
They're AKA 'Acorn nuts', and frequently found in lighting departments. The lacquer used on brass ones to keep them shiny is decidedly *non* conductive...rip it off with lacquer thinner rather than steel wool...the microabrasions caused by the steel wool are where corrosion can really take root.
At 4/11/2006 03:45:59 PM, inductive said…
Most larger wire cutters have bolt cutting holes in them too. While its not always easy to cut a bolt with them, it can be done. The way I cut bolts (I do it alot at work) it acualy to put 2 nuts on the bolt, move them so they both meet where you want the cut to be and loosen one enough so a hacksaw blade fits in. Clamp the 2 bolts in a vice (er, I guess just clamp one realy) and hacksaw it. Then you dont have to worry about messing up the threads or filing the bolts down to fix them.
Also I got some apolstry (spelled wrong I think) nails which I am using for contacts. They are cool cause its like a big thumbtack with a half sphere metal cap. To insert them I just hold a lighter up to the point for a few seconds, use pliars hehe. Then I just push it through the plastic. You can secure it better with hot glue (or just a blob of solder) but I sometimes bend the nail almost 90 degrees so it doesn't take up tons of space in the case. You can trim the nails off with old wire cutters.
Also, at walmart/home depot/whatever snag what are almost always labled as 'wire pulls' which are the U shaped brushed steel drawer handles. They make great switch protectors and come with screws and everything. They cost me 69 cents a piece at walmart. Of course, if you in walmart just steal them because they are the enemy and its ok.
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