RadioShack Tact Switches

[proax9]

I am 'trying' to use a few different RS tact switches ( 2.5mm high, amd 9.5mm high) both are 50mA @ 12v.
I thought I had a good solder joint a couple of times- but then the entire tab just snaps off the switch while I am positioning it in the mod.

I'm new to modding- am I doing something wrong in the way I am soldering, or is there a trick to keep the tab attached to the switch?

 

[TomCatt]

Have you checked this out? http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modding-forum/22122-how-solder-video.html

Is the wire coming off the switch or is the actual 'tab' from the switch breaking off? Also, when using small tact switches you can't wire them directly to the battery, they'll most likely burn out quickly since you'll be drawing a LOT more than 50mA through them. You'll need a mosfet to use a tact switch (or a regulator with a control pin).

 

[proax9]

Yes- I had watched that to refresh myself. Thanks!
The wire stays on- but the tab itself comes off.

 

[TomCatt]

Yes- I had watched that to refresh myself. Thanks!
The wire stays on- but the tab itself comes off.

Sounds like you should seat the switch and then solder the wire to it. A lot of tact switches are made to be placed on a PCB, which means they're not made to see a lot of stress on the tabs.

Another thought - you could solder the wires to the switch and then put epoxy on the wires/switch tabs. Just be careful not to get epoxy on the switch button - Hey! it happens

 

[proax9]

....Another thought - you could solder the wires to the switch and then put epoxy on the wires/switch tabs. Just be careful not to get epoxy on the switch button - Hey! it happens

That was going to be my next try- I really appreciate the feedback- THANKS.

 

[Str8V8ping]

I always solder them to a PCB .Thats what they are intended for

 

[CraigHB]

What you could do is cut out a litte sqaure of PCB material and use a nail file to remove some copper and make two pads. Solder the tactile switch and wires to the PCB. It will be a lot stronger than soldering wires directly to the pins on the tactile switch. I've actually done something similar before when I've needed to put wires on a surface mount part.

You can get copper clad real cheap on eBay.

 

[Str8V8ping]

What you could do is cut out a litte sqaure of PCB material and use a nail file to remove some copper and make two pads. Solder the tactile switch and wires to the PCB. It will be a lot stronger than soldering wires directly to the pins on the tactile switch. I've actually done something similar before when I've needed to put wires on a surface mount part.

You can get copper clad real cheap on eBay.

I do this when i need something simple and dont have the time to etch . I use a cutting wheel on the dremel to notch the copper clad .