Light switch mk 1

[Mike Stevens]

It's not overly expensive (to my mind) but once you add the VAT and delivery on top things get a bit out of hand

Luckily I have an account so don't pay delivery. Sadly not so for VAT though.

When I cleaned the window and light switches for the Stag, I used a little bit of vaseline I think. Either than or silicon grease, but the latter comes in lots of different types. I wouldn't think you'd want one that was too stiff, or one that ran out when the switch got warm! The Stag switches were all intermittant before I dismantled, cleaned and lubricated them. They do seem OK now.

I couldn't recommend anything more than has come from Colin. Likewise, I prefer the RS paper catalogue to the website as the search engine isn't very good, mainly I think due to the key strings they've put in for their products! I notice the new catalogue has gone back to just one this year. One very big one mind you!

Cheers,
Mike.

[James]

Hello David,

this particular product, if you open the specification's pdf file mentions automotive use.http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/contact-t ... t/3375925/ It is not cheap and for one off use will last several lifetimes!

I regularly use the RS website and it has many deficiencies, their paper catalogues are far more useful except that they are very large and date quite quickly.

Alec

It's not overly expensive (to my mind) but once you add the VAT and delivery on top things get a bit out of hand.

No doubt cleaning the indicator switch and lubricating it will still be a fraction of the cost of a new item if you could source one.

Colin

Totally! I think I will buy some.

Added to that the pain of having to take it out again and repair it a second time, and even more so safeguarding against your lights playing up when you need them the most.

[David Withers]

I placed an order this morning, before seeing Alec's recommendation. It is for: http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/contact-t ... t/0566730/ (£4.42 incl VAT)

I'm fairly sure that my earlier search was for "electrical contact lubricant" and the answer was "none found". I doubt if I thought to search for "... grease". As has been inferred, sometimes you can't beat turning the pages of a paper catalogue.

I've bought only one thing from RS before and that was 5 or 6 years ago, but I have an account as a result. I was quite surprised today not to be charged for "next day delivery", but now I know why that was!

Thanks to all for your help.

[Alec]

Hello David,

although their website could be better their delivery service is first class.

Alec

[David Withers]

In case it helps anyone....

The tube/syringe of contact grease arrived this morning (yes, excellent delivery service!) but it is RS's own brand and the very brief description that came with it said only that it is "Ideal for vertical surfaces, for example battery terminals and rheostats". There is nothing about using it on automotive switchgear, and there is a warning that it may not be suitable for some plastics.

The syringe of grease will be useful for other purposes but I've now ordered a 200ml aerosol of Electrolube 2X (£7.87 incl) which promises to be better suited to automotive switchgear. This is a white grease whereas the syringe contains a clear grease, so it is obviously different, and it should be easier to apply.

[englishbull]

Get all electric switch gear RS free from work........... :D