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Switch-opener?
Posted: 17 Apr 2015, 21:28
by Eszett
Since there is no product on the market to open Cherry switches, I have tried to bend wire the McGuyver way, but I'm not that satisfied with the result. The ends of the wire are sharp and they scratch the plastic housing.

Can someone name me a specific tool / product, which does this job most safely, quickly, easily ...?
My aim is something like to open 20 switches in roughly 1 minute. And I mean switches, which are loose, not mounted!
Posted: 17 Apr 2015, 22:11
by chzel
Someone had 3d-printed a tool for opening loose switches IIRC.
Posted: 17 Apr 2015, 22:14
by chzel
Found it! Hope it helps a bit! Even as an idea!
Posted: 17 Apr 2015, 22:17
by Eszett
Yep, good idea to push the 4 latches all at once. It doesn't look crazy fast, but at least a "clean" solution, without damage.
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 11:40
by Findecanor
I tried to build one of those by filing a metal U-bar, but I missed that the switch is supposed to snap to the opener as if it was a plate and that is what makes it easy to pull off the top from the bottom.
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 13:17
by Eszett
Still my question: which product to buy for opening switches professionally (quickly, safely)?
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 13:20
by scottc
Just use two thin flat-head screwdrivers. It's very easy, fast and completely safe.
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 14:26
by HzFaq
For loose switches, I use the top of another switch; by far the easiest method I've found.
I got the idea from this.
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/how- ... tml#p40423
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 20:59
by Eszett
@scottc I have to use 2 hands for 2 screwdrivers, where do I get the third hand for holding the loose switch?
@HzFaq Wow, this method "seems" to work well, I'll start glueing housing-tops on a piece of wood now.
Posted: 18 Apr 2015, 23:38
by scottc
You don't need 3 hands. There are plenty of videos of it on Youtube.
Posted: 19 Apr 2015, 01:09
by HzFaq
Eszett wrote: @scottc I have to use 2 hands for 2 screwdrivers, where do I get the third hand for holding the loose switch?
@HzFaq Wow, this method "seems" to work well, I'll start glueing housing-tops on a piece of wood now.
I do it by hand, you basically use the retention clips on your "opening" top as levers on the switch you want to open. Do one side, hold it open with your finger whilst you pry the other side. It takes a bit of practice, but once I've got in the swing it usually takes a few seconds per switch.
Posted: 19 Apr 2015, 19:16
by Lpwl
KI-N25 (from Geekhack) made those switch openers :
~10/15 opened switches per minute seems to be more accurate with these tools.
Just browse through his posts to get an idea on to how-to make them
source
Posted: 20 Apr 2015, 00:22
by Eszett
@Lpwl Yes, that is the "tempo" I had in mind!