[Harp-L] a business systems look at harmonica fastenings.

[Joseph Leone <3N037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

In light of the recent posts on harmonica drift pins, escutcheon pins, screws, et. al., here is a viewpoint.

There are usually reasons why a manufacturer chooses certain methods. I give some examples. 
Take several 55 gal oil drums and fill them to the top with various fastenings till they are brimming. 
Then screed off the tops of the drums so that they are all full. Maybe even vibrate them so that they
are really full. 

Drum # 1 fill this one with welding rods. Now inasmuch as the welding done on harmonicas is of the 
'spot' type and no extra metal is involved, this drum will be empty. There won't BE any rods.
 BUT, since set up time and equipment is involved, it will still cost you to weld, this empty barrel will still
 cost you. Let's say $1,000.oo

Drum #2 fill this one with rivets. There are barrel rivets and blind rivets. Harmonicas use barrel rivets.
These are used when something needs to be secured with no intention of moving it..BUT it CAN be done
in an emergency. Blind rivets are used on bridges, ships, skyscrapers with NO intention of movement.
 (Btw, replacing a reed IS an emergency). Barrel rivets work on friction and when set(or 'bucked), they swell. 
This barrel will cost you $1,500.oo

Drum #3 this one contains drift pins. They also work by friction. The holding part is drilled to 87.5% of the 
diameter of the pin while the held part is drilled 75%. Then the pins are forced into the work and act as 
a clamp. They are also used when it isn't intended to separate the parts, but it CAN be done. Btw, separating 
harmonica plates to effect a repair is also an emergency. This barrel is worth $2,250.oo

Drum #4 sheet metal screws. These are used when it is expected that parts can be disassembled. Maybe 
not all the time, but still easy enough. Btw, disassembly of harmonicas is desirable for obvious reasons.
This barrel is worth $3,375.oo.

Drum #5 Machine screws. Usually the threads are cut not rolled, made on a turret mill. Used when it is 
desirable to have parts EASILY disassembled. This barrel is worth $5, 062.5o. I think we see a pattern here.

Drum #6 Machine screws with matching nuts. The use is only too obvious. Now since the nuts will also
take up room that the screws would normally occupy, there are far less screws in this barrel, BUT it will 
still cost you $5,062.5o. The only thing IS? You're going to need (maybe) another half barrel for your
assemblies. Sooo, ultimate cost? $7,593.75

Now it doesn't take a rocket surgeon to allow as how dropping to a 'lesser' form of fastening will, in the 
long haul, save you a substantial amount of Drachmas. Maybe this is what manufactures do? I don't know
I'm just sayne. 

I hope you find this amusing, enlightening, and of some value.

smokey-joe