Cheap on / off switches

[degarb]

I would like to mod some old headlamps. But don't know where to buy on off switches for 50 cent or so. 2.50 usd is too high, but available at the local radio shack.

 

[degarb]

Also, other than clicky, I don't know what to call them for an accurate google search.

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

Digikey
Mouser
Newark
DX
KD
Even Shiningbeam and Illumination supply have them I think.
Ebay

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Single pole single throw is a good start. That is, ” single pole” means control one thing, ” single throw” means one position besides off, SPST. SPDT would give you two ”on” levels.

 

[Lyndon]

You're not going to have much luck finding switches for $0.50 in single quantities from the usual suspects. I'd look at the surplus dealers: All Electronics, BG Micro, MPJA, Electronics Goldmine, etc. There you'll find "new old stock" at bargain basement prices.

 

[kuksul08]

I know it's not $0.50, but these are sweet little clicky switches rated to 5A DC. $2.01
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/40-3352-02/528PB-ND/611177

 

[upjeeper]

also recommend digikey
i picked up a momentary switch for my 120dB horn getting installed on my motorcycle this winter. too darn many people don't pay attention on the road, hopefully that will help.

 

[rwolff]

I assume you're looking for pushbutton switches. In addition to their electrical layout (SPST sounds like what you need), there are 3 basic mechanical setups:

- Push on/push off. Just like the name implies (this is a "clicky").
- Normally Open (NO). Contact is made only while the button is being pressed.
- Normally Closed (NC). Contact is made UNLESS the button is being pressed (unlikely you'd want these).

Have you considered browsing a dollar store to see if there's something (including a cheap crap flashlight) that has the switch you want?

 

[350xfire]

To add to this thread, I am working on building my own flashlight from scratch. I would like to have a clicky switch that is grounded on the body since the LED pill will have the spring resting on the body as well. Can someone point me to a switch like this. An integral spring to the switch would be preferred. It's my first light from scrath and I have never used clickies before. I have mostly been into modding mags into divelights or using their OEM switches.
Thanks

 

[gadget_lover]

I don't have any good sources for you, but would suggest that you pay attention to the amp rating on the switch you select. If you are building a 1xcr123 light driving 350ma, then you can get away with most switches. On the other hand, if you are pushing several amps the switch may literally melt from overheating.

I have some switches (with springs) from Dealextreme that are decent. I bought them just to have on hand for projects. At less than a buck each I could afford to throw them in the parts bin.


Daniel