Hello all,
I have a rotary switch that i need to replace. I had to purchase a new modern switch and of course the shaft length and style are different. Need ideas on how to facilitate this change/modification.
If the photo is not here i will continue to post until i get it right.
Thanks
Mitch

I think that Edd or Peter have some good ideas.

If there is room, they can be butt-joined with a copper or aluminum sleeve, which can either be soldered (if aluminum isn't used, and the shafts aren't aluminum), or glued. Super glue or epoxy of your choice (even JB Weld) will work well.

Another method where space is a concern is to cut a slot in the new control's shaft, and then cut the old shaft to fit the corresponding slot. Use glue or epoxy as is applicable. Be sure to cut the old shaft right at the bushing so that there is enough excess that a tooth may be cut to fit the slot in the new shaft.

T.

That old switch doesn't look bad except for the burn. Are there broken contacts?

If that is the one that was soaked in WD-40 that no longer works, you can squeeze together the contacts. Check for good continuity. Clean all contacts with emery paper if necessary, and then scrub the entire switch clean with soap and water. Allow to dry on a radiator or in a 150 degree oven. It should then work well.

T.

One way to make the U shaped contacts grab the rotary contact tighter is to first push them down a bit past center, and then push them in the opposite direction just past center so that they again fall where they should. This will bring the two sides of the contact back together for tight operation.

The rivets can also be gently tapped with a punch if they are loose. Don't tap so hard as to break the phenolic.

T.

:That old switch doesn't look bad except for the burn. Are there broken contacts?
:
:If that is the one that was soaked in WD-40 that no longer works, you can squeeze together the contacts. Check for good continuity. Clean all contacts with emery paper if necessary, and then scrub the entire switch clean with soap and water. Allow to dry on a radiator or in a 150 degree oven. It should then work well.
:
:T.
:
The contacts are broken in two places, i tried to repair but get bad contact as the switch changes positions.
Mitch

Mitch,
Cut off old shaft to the length needed. Grind, cut or file MATING flattened areas on old and new shaft. Get thin-wall brass tubing from a hobby shop that fits snug over both shafts. Cut to length to cover the MATING flattened areas. Assemble with super glue or epoxy.

marv

:Hello all,
:I have a rotary switch that i need to replace. I had to purchase a new modern switch and of course the shaft length and style are different. Need ideas on how to facilitate this change/modification.
:If the photo is not here i will continue to post until i get it right.
:Thanks
:Mitch
:
:
:

Mitch, try Mark Oppat at the link below .
I have an Emerson U4B (1935, the switch was shot.
He furnished me a switch with the same shaft but longer in length. All I had to do was install it, cut it to the right length, and file the end to fit the knob.
That was my first time I have ever did that kind of repair and it works great. I just took my time with it.
Hope this helps.
Vinny A.

http://www.oldradioparts.net

:Mitch, try Mark Oppat at the link below .
:I have an Emerson U4B (1935, the switch was shot.
:He furnished me a switch with the same shaft but longer in length. All I had to do was install it, cut it to the right length, and file the end to fit the knob.
:That was my first time I have ever did that kind of repair and it works great. I just took my time with it.
:Hope this helps.
:Vinny A.
:
:
:http://www.oldradioparts.net
:
Vinny,
I sent them an email regarding the switch with the Philco part # for the band switch.
Thanks
Mitch