Switch-opener?

[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!

[chzel]

Someone had 3d-printed a tool for opening loose switches IIRC.

[chzel]

Found it! Hope it helps a bit! Even as an idea!

[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.

[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.

[Eszett]

Still my question: which product to buy for opening switches professionally (quickly, safely)?

[scottc]

Just use two thin flat-head screwdrivers. It's very easy, fast and completely safe.

[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

[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.

[scottc]

You don't need 3 hands. There are plenty of videos of it on Youtube.

[HzFaq]

@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.

[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

[Eszett]

@Lpwl Yes, that is the "tempo" I had in mind!