Author Topic: C&K push buttons (Read 17827 times)

jumper · « **on:** August 31, 2013, 05:24:01 PM »

Hi everyone. This may seem crazy, but I was thinking about doing something but wanted to ask about it before I do. Has anyone ever tried to cut the C&K button section in half? That would give it a lower profile and I think make it look better.

TIA

methos · « **Reply #1 on:** August 31, 2013, 05:36:50 PM »

I have cut down the ones from rat shack and they worked just fine. I like the low profile look myself. Also you could use tach switches with a MOSFET for an even cleaner look. I ordered a few of these http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=290866531538 to play with.

jumper · « **Reply #2 on:** August 31, 2013, 05:41:32 PM »

Quote from: methos on August 31, 2013, 05:36:50 PM

I have cut down the ones from rat shack and they worked just fine. I like the low profile look myself. Also you could use tach switches with a MOSFET for an even cleaner look. I ordered a few of these http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=290866531538 to play with.

Thanks Methos. Really appreciate the come back. I couldn't think of a reason why it wouldn't work, but since I'm pretty new at this, I thought it would be better to ask first. I think I'm going to give it a try in a bit.

How did you cut down your button? I'm out of cutting wheels for my dremel tool. Do you think just sanding it down would work?

edit: Sanding doesn't sound like it would be a good idea... need to keep thinking about a way to do it.

edit #2... Toenail clippers? (lol)

methos · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2013, 05:49:52 PM »

I don't know if they are the same but on mine I pulled off the cap ( black part) and pushes down the switch. I marked the lowest point with it pushed down. Then I used side cuts to trim it a little long then filed it smooth. The cut off wheel would b faster but I could see it getting messy (melted)

jumper · « **Reply #4 on:** August 31, 2013, 05:53:17 PM »

Quote from: methos on August 31, 2013, 05:49:52 PM

I don't know if they are the same but on mine I pulled off the cap ( black part) and pushes down the switch. I marked the lowest point with it pushed down. Then I used side cuts to trim it a little long then filed it smooth. The cut off wheel would b faster but I could see it getting messy (melted)

I'm really glad you're here for this talk to go pretty quick... thank you. Question... what are "side cuts"?

edit: I probably know them by a different name.

jumper · « **Reply #5 on:** August 31, 2013, 06:30:48 PM »

Just tried cutting the button with wire splicers. I used the smallest hole and just cut it about in half. Worked perfectly. Now all I have to do is sand it down and make it smooth.

thanks a bunch for your help!

methos · « **Reply #6 on:** August 31, 2013, 07:56:00 PM »

You got it . Wire snips = small side cuts. I have a set for cutting everything and a set for just wires.

jumper · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2013, 08:34:39 PM »

Well, I have it all sanded down and it's perfect. Guess I got lucky because I didn't measure a thing, lol. Now when you push the button all the way in, it's just the right length and vapes good.

methos · « **Reply #8 on:** September 01, 2013, 12:36:55 AM »

Great job jumper. Post a pic of the modded switch so we can see.

jumper · « **Reply #9 on:** September 01, 2013, 08:52:50 AM »

ok... here's a picture of the two versions of the C&K switch. On the left is the standard size. On the right is the cut down version. This is not the best picture, but I think it will give you the basic idea...

methos · « **Reply #10 on:** September 01, 2013, 09:41:15 AM »

Awesome.

Makes all the difference in how it looks. I cant wait to build a copper mod.

jumper · « **Reply #11 on:** September 01, 2013, 09:44:38 AM »

Quote from: methos on September 01, 2013, 09:41:15 AM

Awesome. Makes all the difference in how it looks. I cant wait to build a copper mod.

Thanks Methos, It's nice to get a compliment. Good luck with the copper mod. I really like them. The tube feels good in your hands. The ones in the picture are about 3 to 3 1/2 inches tall. Nice stealth size. Uses 350s.

methos · « **Reply #12 on:** September 01, 2013, 09:50:13 AM »

I was thinking of doing a 18350 copper mod. I like the small mods.

jumper · « **Reply #13 on:** September 01, 2013, 09:52:19 AM »

I like the smaller ones now myself. I wouldn't make it any shorter that what I did, unless you have some way to tighten things up in there. 3 inches is pretty small

methos · « **Reply #14 on:** September 01, 2013, 10:00:44 AM »

Hmmm that sounds like a fun challenge

Gonna have to stop by Home Depot today

Breaktru · « **Reply #15 on:** September 01, 2013, 10:04:00 AM »

I also cut down the plunger length. Another suggestion is to thread the tube with a 1/4-40 tap and thread the switch into it so that the thread shaft of the switch is flush with the outside of the tube. NO nut on the outside. Put the nut on the inside of the tube.
You have to be careful to not damage the switch by screwing it on holding the plastic base of the switch. It will break. Use a long nose pliers on the metal portion of the shaft.

jumper · « **Reply #16 on:** September 01, 2013, 10:08:27 AM »

Quote from: Breaktru on September 01, 2013, 10:04:00 AM

I also cut down the plunger length. Another suggestion is to thread the tube with a 1/4-40 tap and thread the switch into it so that the thread shaft of the switch is flush with the outside of the tube. NO nut on the outside. Put the nut on the inside of the tube.
You have to be careful to not damage the switch by screwing it on holding the plastic base of the switch. It will break. Use a long nose pliers on the metal portion of the shaft.

Great idea Breaktru. I don't have a way to do that due to lack of equipment, but if can get what I need, I will try that too. Sounds easier than trying to cut the button in half. Even if I don't have the equipment, I can still put the nut on the inside of the tube and see what it does.

thanks for the idea!

methos · « **Reply #17 on:** September 01, 2013, 10:17:18 AM »

Threaded tube and cut down button = super clean look

now where to find a 1/4 40 tap. LoL

Breaktru · « **Reply #18 on:** September 01, 2013, 10:23:40 AM »

Quote from: jumper on September 01, 2013, 10:08:27 AM

Great idea Breaktru. I don't have a way to do that due to lack of equipment, but if can get what I need, I will try that too. Sounds easier than trying to cut the button in half. Even if I don't have the equipment, I can still put the nut on the inside of the tube and see what it does.

thanks for the idea!

I still cut the plunger.
No special equip needed. Just a simple 1/4-40 tap and a long nose pliers.
The nut on the inside acts as a lock nut to prevent the switch from turning. Even with out the nut, the threads are tight enough to prevent turning and if you want, loctite can be used on the threads.

jumper · « **Reply #19 on:** September 01, 2013, 10:28:26 AM »

Quote from: Breaktru on September 01, 2013, 10:23:40 AM

I still cut the plunger.
No special equip needed. Just a simple 1/4-40 tap and a long nose pliers.
The nut on the inside acts as a lock nut to prevent the switch from turning. Even with out the nut, the threads are tight enough to prevent turning and if you want, loctite can be used on the threads.

Really appreciate the help and ideas. Will look for the tap as soon as I can. Thanks for the tap size. That way all I have to get is that one. I would use loctite as a last resort I think. Would rather get it to work the first way you mentioned. Just thought of this... All this would mean I would have to make the hole for the switch smaller because of the threads. Would that be correct?

methos · « **Reply #20 on:** September 01, 2013, 11:13:29 AM »

Quote from: jumper on September 01, 2013, 10:28:26 AM

Really appreciate the help and ideas. Will look for the tap as soon as I can. Thanks for the tap size. That way all I have to get is that one. I would use loctite as a last resort I think. Would rather get it to work the first way you mentioned. Just thought of this... All this would mean I would have to make the hole for the switch smaller because of the threads. Would that be correct?

Yep, The tap (or package) will tell you the drill size to use.

jumper · « **Reply #21 on:** September 01, 2013, 11:36:35 AM »

Thanks Methos, This is a new area for me. Sounds like it would really work out good. One question, would it work if I make the hold just big enough to put the button part through, then use the tap?

methos · « **Reply #22 on:** September 01, 2013, 11:50:27 AM »

Not sure there. The recommended drill size is best because they leave just enough room for it to cut the treads. To much or to little can cause an issue.

Breaktru · « **Reply #23 on:** September 01, 2013, 12:11:48 PM »

Tap size: 1/4-40 UNS-2A Part Link
Drill size: #1 - Decimal size .2280

Tap - Drill Chart

jumper · « **Reply #24 on:** September 01, 2013, 12:15:15 PM »

Quote from: Breaktru on September 01, 2013, 12:11:48 PM

Tap size: 1/4-40 UNS-2A
Drill size: #1 - Decimal size .2280

Tap - Drill Chart

Thank you Breaktru. I believe I have what I need now. I'll have to check my drill sizes and see which one fits, but I think I should have some. Most of the drill bits I use are small. The only large one I use is for the 510 connector. Thanks for making this a lot easier. Your dedication to the forum and the people here should be praised. You have helped me so much.

thank you

methos · « **Reply #25 on:** September 01, 2013, 12:16:48 PM »

Quote from: Breaktru on September 01, 2013, 12:11:48 PM

Tap size: 1/4-40 UNS-2A
Drill size: #1 - Decimal size .2280

Tap - Drill Chart

Thanks Breaktru. Any suggestions on where we could pick them up at? Doesn't sound like a very common size. LoL

Phestr · « **Reply #26 on:** September 01, 2013, 11:50:08 PM »

Quote from: methos on September 01, 2013, 12:16:48 PM

Thanks Breaktru. Any suggestions on where we could pick them up at? Doesn't sound like a very common size. LoL

Most online stores will have them, sometimes with the drill bit and tap in a set. I get all my tools like this at a small local hardware store, the big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot usually don't have exactly what I want and if they do, cost ALOT more. Last time I bought a tap, it told me which drill bit from the same company worked with it. Easy as pie (which makes no sense to anyone who has ever tried to make a pie

).