Cleaning an enclosed 3-way toggle switch...
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:57 pm
Here we go...
To provide the clearest pics possible, I de-wired this switch...but, the mod stays the same.
It's very straight-forward and simple. Good luck!
Well, here's our dirty 3-way enclosed toggle.
Ordinarily, I'll use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the tabs holding the switch together, but this little pain in the butt required wire-cutters to get under the tab, to pull it up. Also, make sure your switch stays in the center position...
Here, I moved the switch back and forth to get a good look at the grease buildup...it has migrated towards the connectors, which is fine, as this isn't where the electrical connection is made...
You see where the metal tabs are touching one another? You'll want to clean inside those areas.
The grease you see here is from the toggle. It's not terribly important to clean off, but you can if you wish. I did.
Here the toggle has been moved back to the center position, so that I can now put this switch back together.
The metal used for the casing was quite belligerent, so I had to break out the bigger pliers...
And now, you are done. As a sidenote, you may want to wash your hands, as there is probably a good amount of Acid Flux on your hands from the connectors. Believe me, after about 5 minutes, it starts to sting.
Cheers!
To provide the clearest pics possible, I de-wired this switch...but, the mod stays the same.
It's very straight-forward and simple. Good luck!
Well, here's our dirty 3-way enclosed toggle.
Ordinarily, I'll use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the tabs holding the switch together, but this little pain in the butt required wire-cutters to get under the tab, to pull it up. Also, make sure your switch stays in the center position...
Here, I moved the switch back and forth to get a good look at the grease buildup...it has migrated towards the connectors, which is fine, as this isn't where the electrical connection is made...
You see where the metal tabs are touching one another? You'll want to clean inside those areas.
The grease you see here is from the toggle. It's not terribly important to clean off, but you can if you wish. I did.
Here the toggle has been moved back to the center position, so that I can now put this switch back together.
The metal used for the casing was quite belligerent, so I had to break out the bigger pliers...
And now, you are done. As a sidenote, you may want to wash your hands, as there is probably a good amount of Acid Flux on your hands from the connectors. Believe me, after about 5 minutes, it starts to sting.
Cheers!
