HAI switch repair?

[jeff1]

When I built 20 years ago, I used all HAI UPB switches. Over the years, may of them become intermittent, where you have to press it 2, 3, 4+ times to get the light to turn on. I had some spares and wound up using them to replace intermittent switches over the years, but now running out. Has anyone ever tried to open one up and see what part it is that fails... and repair it? I could not find any threads on this. Hoping I can extend the life of some of these. Thanks!

 

[bluelake321]

You can replace the buttons as they wear out. I've used part number PTS645SL43-2 from Digikey. They are a standard 4 pin tactile switch.

Removing the large inductor in order to make it easier to replace the lower switch helps - just solder it back in when you are done.

 

[jeff1]

Thank you VERY much for your reply! While I was waiting, I took one apart and saw the switches... and you saved me time researching part numbers!
Yeah, I saw the inductor there... did you try to heat it from the top side only? Looks like the legs are outside the body of the switch and not under.
Thanks, again, for your help!

 

[bluelake321]

Thank you VERY much for your reply! While I was waiting, I took one apart and saw the switches... and you saved me time researching part numbers!
Yeah, I saw the inductor there... did you try to heat it from the top side only? Looks like the legs are outside the body of the switch and not under.
Thanks, again, for your help!

I just did all the desoldering from the backside. It's so easy to pull the inductor I did not try any other way.