Hello all,

Not to belabor the point of AI, but if you don't provide sufficient 
information, then AI will give you, what you think is incorrect return 
information. I give Microsoft Co Pilot the following query:
"What is the diameter, pitch, and length of the Elecraft K3S external earth 
ground screw?"

And it's answer was is:
The Elecraft K3S external earth ground screw is not explicitly detailed in the 
standard manuals or product documentation available online. However, based on 
typical amateur radio transceiver chassis grounding practices and user reports 
from Elecraft forums, the screw is most likely:

Diameter: #6-32 (approximately 3.5 mm)

Thread pitch: 32 threads per inch (standard for #6-32 screws)

Length: Typically 1/4" to 3/8" (6.35 mm to 9.5 mm), depending on the chassis 
thickness and whether a lug or ring terminal is used

This screw is usually located on the rear panel of the K3S and is intended for 
connecting a ground wire to reduce RF interference and improve safety.

If you're planning to replace or install a ground screw, I recommend using a 
stainless steel #6-32 machine screw with a star washer and ring terminal for 
secure contact. For absolute confirmation, you might want to check the K3S 
Assembly Manual or contact Elecraft support directly.

AI is pretty good but it depends upon how you word the question. I'm pretty 
sure that somewhere in the Elecraft's manuals there is a reference to a 4-40 
screw and words to reflect a ground. Where I do not know unless AI grab the 
information about the areas on the K3 case which the builder has to be sure 
that is cleared of paint and/or masking before the builder screws in the 4-40 
screws that hold the case together.


-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On 
Behalf Of Greg Beat via Elecraft
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2025 12:22 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S ground screw

The ground screw for the Elecraft K3S is a 4-40 (SAE) threaded screw. 
A 4-40 screw has a number 4 diameter and 40 threads per inch.

Although the exact length can vary depending on what you are connecting, the 
manuals (Elecraft) often refer to using 1/4" or 3/16" screws of this type for 
internal assembly. 
For a ground connection, you would use an appropriately sized lug and wire that 
matches the screw's thread (Elecraft #E770091)

Answered by: Gemini, Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI)
***
Assistance by W9GB, supplying e-mail ISP.

Elecraft P/N E770091 : 33 foot Ground Wire with Lug.
https://elecraft.com/products/e770091_e77009133-ground-wire-with-lug

==
Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2025 10:27:13 -0400
From: Bill DeVore <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Elecraft] K3S ground screw

Does anyone know the specs on the grounding screw? 
Dia, pitch and length? 
Bill - W3PNM
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