Will this be an issue?

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J M
  • J M
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Will this be an issue?

Sun 19 Nov, 2017 2:07 pm

Hi all.
I just grabbed my compass out for a trip tomorrow and noticed that the metal band that runs around the housing has rusted and warped a bit. My question is - will this affect the compass at all (ie. throw the reading off)? In the photo I've attached you can see the metal band on the underside of the compass.

Thanks!
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CasualNerd
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Re: Will this be an issue?

Sun 19 Nov, 2017 2:57 pm

I might be wrong but it looks like the wavy wire is a spring that secures the two moving sections together...
Allchin09
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Re: Will this be an issue?

Sun 19 Nov, 2017 3:50 pm

The wire looks fine to me, it comes shaped that way to hold in the movable housing. I'd be more worried about the metal that seems to be attached to the compass via that clip, metal objects at close distances can definitely sway the needle from north.
Warin
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Re: Will this be an issue?

Sun 19 Nov, 2017 3:53 pm

I think the spring applies friction between the two moving bits.

It normally has that shape. The rust may be a problem in that it may mar surfaces making the friction uneven. I'd clean the rusty bits as much as you can and remove any bits of rust/dirt.

:oops: I'll have to check mine...

-
J M
  • J M
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Re: Will this be an issue?

Sun 19 Nov, 2017 8:10 pm

Lovely, thanks everyone.

Re: the clip - the biner is aluminium and I waved it around over the compass to see if it had any effect and it doesn't. So naturally I proceed to attach it with that little clip you can see in the picture....which does swing the needle a few degrees :oops: .

It has most definitely been replaced now!
rcaffin
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Re: Will this be an issue?

Mon 20 Nov, 2017 9:45 am

That's a Silva compass, which is a good brand. I would be VERY surprised if the metal spring was steel - it could become magnetised. Last time I pulled a compass like that apart I think the spring was phosphor bronze or similar.

Get rid of the steel attachments though!

Cheers
Roger
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