My apologies if this has been discussed already (if so, feel free to put a bar of soap in a sock and whack away).
Recently my Don (aluminium version with brass switch) stopped locking properly; it would basically fire whether it was locked or not. Upon closer examination I noticed that the little post that is on the edge of the button had come loose and was hanging around free between the base and outer button of the switch.
At first, being dumb, I thought it had sheared off because I thought the little nub or post was part of the button (one piece). Turns out the little nub is made of steel and seated into a hole in the button.There's a couple possible reasons why it came loose. Either from repeatedly twisting the button to lock/unlock position or, the more likely reason: pressing the button on its edge rather than its center. I think pressing the button on its edge puts the little nub/post at a miniscule angle, making it rub against the inside of the little hole it goes into, basically working it free from the seating like a loose tooth.Here's how I fixed it (wish I had pics):
1. Remove the brass switch assembly, then take out the screw and spring.
2. Pry the flat metal battery flange off (be careful if using a screwdriver! Any microscopic ding on the brass threads will affect how the switch assembly screws back into the bottom Don sleeve!)
3. The little steel nub/post/thing will have probably fallen out after the flange comes off (Careful, it can get lost easily cause it's tiny!) take it and drop it through the hole in the switch base, lining it with the seating hole in the button.
4. Place an eyeglasses screwdriver over the post, firmly pressing it into the seating hole, and lightly tap it in with a hammer. It shouldn't take much to force it into the seating hole.
5. Replace the battery flange/washer thingy then the put the screw and spring back in and Bob's your creepy, middle-aged uncle who still lives with his mom.
The moral of this rambling post is "Always apply pressure to the center of your Don button". Most of us press it with the side of our pinkies (as it's a bottom button pv) so it's very easy to press it on its edge. This can be avoided by simply aligning a knuckle of the little finger over the button center (right on the adjuster screw). After awhile it becomes second nature. While this could be an isolated incident I thought I should at least give a heads up.
BTW, the Don rules!
Recently my Don (aluminium version with brass switch) stopped locking properly; it would basically fire whether it was locked or not. Upon closer examination I noticed that the little post that is on the edge of the button had come loose and was hanging around free between the base and outer button of the switch.
At first, being dumb, I thought it had sheared off because I thought the little nub or post was part of the button (one piece). Turns out the little nub is made of steel and seated into a hole in the button.There's a couple possible reasons why it came loose. Either from repeatedly twisting the button to lock/unlock position or, the more likely reason: pressing the button on its edge rather than its center. I think pressing the button on its edge puts the little nub/post at a miniscule angle, making it rub against the inside of the little hole it goes into, basically working it free from the seating like a loose tooth.Here's how I fixed it (wish I had pics):
1. Remove the brass switch assembly, then take out the screw and spring.
2. Pry the flat metal battery flange off (be careful if using a screwdriver! Any microscopic ding on the brass threads will affect how the switch assembly screws back into the bottom Don sleeve!)
3. The little steel nub/post/thing will have probably fallen out after the flange comes off (Careful, it can get lost easily cause it's tiny!) take it and drop it through the hole in the switch base, lining it with the seating hole in the button.
4. Place an eyeglasses screwdriver over the post, firmly pressing it into the seating hole, and lightly tap it in with a hammer. It shouldn't take much to force it into the seating hole.
5. Replace the battery flange/washer thingy then the put the screw and spring back in and Bob's your creepy, middle-aged uncle who still lives with his mom.
The moral of this rambling post is "Always apply pressure to the center of your Don button". Most of us press it with the side of our pinkies (as it's a bottom button pv) so it's very easy to press it on its edge. This can be avoided by simply aligning a knuckle of the little finger over the button center (right on the adjuster screw). After awhile it becomes second nature. While this could be an isolated incident I thought I should at least give a heads up.
BTW, the Don rules!
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