U360 - Best way to tighten joystick?

[Dazz]

After 5 or 10 minutes of use my U360's handles are becoming unscrewed.  Anyone have a tip on tightening the handles so they don't have to be screwed back in so damn often?

[Herk]

Dazz,

     I used plumber's tape and vicegrips and they have not come loose for years now.  Vice grips are to be clamped on the shaft while you hand tighten the balls. 

Herk

[mr_doles]

Don't know if this will help but I post the same question about a year ago.

On a side note I bought 1 UltraStick already and had 2 questions.  First off does anyone else have an issue with the oval top coming unscrewed very easily?  It is always coming undone while I am playing.  Second there was what looks like a washer in the box that I have no idea what it is for.  The stick seems to be working so I don't know if I need it for something.  I have attached a picture, it is small so sorry about the quality.

and this was the response

To answer your side question, I think that washer and your loose oval top handle go hand in hand.  If you unscrew the handle completely, I think that washer fits right down the shaft then then handle screws down over it.  That should help with your oval top issue.

Sure enough that piece did the trick.

[severdhed]

the shaft has two flat sides which are great for gripping with an adjustable wrench or pliers.(bat top shaft anyway, not sure about balltop shaft)

make sure you use the washer, and the pipe tape will help also

[Encryptor]

I believe if you take the circuit board off the end of the shaft is slotted for a screw driver. Put some thread lock on the threads, screw the top back on and use the slot with a screw driver to tighten it.

Encryptor

[Ginsu Victim]

I inserted a flat head into the end, tightened the ball, and that's it. It NEVER comes loose.

[Franco B]

I was going to say a screwdriver in the base should sort it out as you can apply much more torque that way than you are likely to apply when using the joysticks.

Threadlocker is often used on cabs on location but it shouldn't really be necessary for home use unless you have unsavory friends

[Ed_McCarron]

Blue loctite?

[Franco B]

Seriously, stick a screwdriver in the end, hold the ball in your hand, tighten as much as you can.

Problem solved.

The only way you can then remove the ball/bat is if you can grip the shaft tighter with your hand than you can with a screw driver in the slot.

Fair enough if you are a 7 stone weakling then maybe some blue locktite maybe the solution for you (you may have to ask a strong friend to remove the cap though)  

[Just FYI, please keep the first sentance in context with this thread!]

[Ginsu Victim]

Blue loctite?

Really not necessary. Hand-tightened plus a screwdriver is all one needs.

[shfifty]

i screwdriver-ed + hand tightened JLF's (dont they have the same or a similar shaft to U360's?) and i cant imagine them ever loosening.

Unless you were somehow born with permanently buttered hands which impairs your ability to grip the top tightly, this method should be adequate     

[I/O]

The tops do not come pre-installed, in which case loctite is an easy solution.

[Franco B]

Which is a more complex solution than just using a screw driver in this situation.

[Ginsu Victim]

The tops do not come pre-installed, in which case loctite is an easy solution.

Nope. Really, a screwdriver and your hands are all you need. Don't over-complicate it.

[DashRendar]

I agree-

Wrap tape tightly on the tip.  Hold the shaft in one hand, and the ball in the other, and twist it tightly.

No screwing needed. 

That twisting motion from your hands should be enough to get the job done. 

[I/O]

Which is a more complex solution than just using a screw driver in this situation.

Only if you want to take off the PCB to get at the bottom of the shaft.

[Franco B]

Yes, and guess which tool you use for that?

But meh. What works for you, works for you.

[Ginsu Victim]

Which is a more complex solution than just using a screw driver in this situation.

Only if you want to take off the PCB to get at the bottom of the shaft.

OH NO! Four plastics nuts I have to remove with my fingers!!!

[I/O]

Which is a more complex solution than just using a screw driver in this situation.

Only if you want to take off the PCB to get at the bottom of the shaft.

OH NO! Four plastics nuts I have to remove with my fingers!!!

I could be stuffing more fries in my mouth in the few mintues it takes to do this maneuver you suggest.

[nickynooch]

I had the exact same problem, I emailed the ultimarc guys they responded to use plumbers tape.

Worked like a champ.  Haven't had a problem since.  It's a great cheap solution.

Just wrap it around the groove on the stick part where the top screws on.  (You'd probably just figure it out).  I highly recommend that method.