I am using some slide toggle switches for a particular application and would like them to slide a bit smoother with less effort. Is there something I can apply that will not effect the electrical contacts?
First thing I do is to use CRC electra clean or similar. They also have a lubricant specific for electrical contact switches. CRC is professional grade.
To just lube sometimes I use graphite spray. I used to use lithium, but sometimes it gets a little gunky.
Richard
WD-40 works as well.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
I use CRC and it's specifically made for electrical appllications.
Springfield PA
CRC 2-26. Available at ACE, HD and Lowes. It's also an excellent track and wheel cleaner.
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
Folks, I "impregnated" the slide switch with the 2-26 and it doesn't slide any better...
wabash2800 Folks, I "impregnated" the slide switch with the 2-26 and it doesn't slide any better...
I'm thinking the 2-26 is one of the lubes. Did you get the CRC cleaner and clean first? It could be full of gunk.
Also, if you haven't used these switches before they may be just tight. Sometimes you can loosen them up by prising the tabs slightly, but be careful and don't take things apart unless you're comfortable with that. I have many times, to make sure something is not bent, but sometimes the springs aren't cooperative.
How smooth slide switches are really depends on how strong the springs inside are, and there's not a lot you can do about that. You could take them apart and cut a loop or two out of each spring but putting them back together would be a real bear and I don't recommend it and short of that, the only other way to get them to operate more smoothly is to use them, You can try different brands, some are smoother than others. I think you're wasting time better spent on something else.
Well, Jay, I purchased six and I'm using them with Hump Yard Purveyance levers by running a wire through the buttons on the slide switches. I suppose, if I use the slide switches, I'm going to have to go with a heavier gauge wire as the .032" flexes too much.
I know from experience that the real "Armstrongs" were a bear but...
So do I understand that the slide switches are being used for mechanical throw and not electrical?
If so a good PFTE grease will do a better job. Just don't use it if it's electrical.
No, No, the slide switches are electrical and mechanical. A slide switch connected to the Hump Yard lever controls a Tortoise switch machine. I'm using the Tortoises for the extra two sets of contacts (and I could get three with the slide switch) if I wanted. The levers are being used for a large interlocking and eventually will use Bruce Chub's electronics with software working in the background. The extra contacts will come in handy for feedback to the software and the Chub circuits. I'm working on it in phases with the first phase to get the levers in the frame to control the switch machines. I also like the way the Tortoise throws the points as it reminds me of what I used to see as a kid at interlocking towers.
The CRC would probably be the best then. Hopefully with time the switches will work in a little.
I have used silicone spray to free up slide switches. It is non conductive like graphite and will not short circuit the system. Slide switches are inherently hard to throw and for that reason, I chose to drill a hole in a paddle lever toggle switch. It takes much less force .
73
Bruce in the Peg
I used heavier .045" wire and that throws the slide switch fine. However, I ran into another problem but that was quickly solved by suggestions at another site. It seems the slide switch travel limited the throw on the Hump Yard Purveyance lever from side to side. As was suggested, I routed out a slot in the hole that I had drilled for the wire in the button and it works like a champ now. The lever snaps in position from side to side without much strain on it and when I hear it snap in place I no the contacts are set.