PCB mounted pots and loctite

[80k]

For those that PCB mount pots, what do you think is the best method of mounting pots?

Do you screw the pots to the box first, then put the PCB on and solder everything?  The problem i see with this is that it is hard to tighten the pots without the pot rotating a little and thus misaligning with the PCB (unless i use anti-rotation holes, but i prefer not to have to do that).  Also, if i have to trouble shoot the circuit, it's a pain to have to desolder all the pots.

I was thinking a better way would be to solder the pots to the PCB first, and then screw the pots onto the box.  However, i wouldn't want to tighten the pots too hard, in fear of putting stress on the solder joints.  So i was thinking of using loctite on the threads.  I have some nice Pro Lok removeable thread sealant.  Have anyone used similar locking compounds and had success?  How tight would i still have to tighten the pots, if i'm using this stuff?

Thanks!

[ExpAnonColin]

I have never needed to tighten the nut so much that it would stress the PCB.  It would just cause frictio between the pot and the enclosure before it really did damage.  You don't need to tighten an outrageous amount.

-Colin

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

I must be missign something here, I have PCB mounted pots (alps snap-in type) and, once they are mounted on the PCB, tehr is no way they could ever rotate.
And , assuming the holes are in the right place, there is never any problem bolting them to the front of the box.
The only way any stress can come about, is if you also have PCB mount switches or jacks at right angles to the pots (that is, parallel to the PCB rather than vertical like the pots) and then you tighten these up to a different side of the box. Then, if measurements are out, you can find yourself twistignthe PCB out of shape.
If you are talking about pots that mount parallel to the PCB, similar argument applies.

[80k]

ah ok... yea, i have a tendency to tighten pots down REALLY damn hard so they don't come loose.  But i guess if i'm PCB mounting them, i don't need to do that  Thanks for the advice.