Small slider cap sources in U.S.?

Started by Strategy, January 11, 2022, 12:41:32 PM

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Strategy

I'm having a surprisingly hard time finding caps for small sliders / fader potentiometers in the U.S.
Either I don't know the search terms or it just requires sifting I haven't figured out yet; lots of sources have big "mixing desk" style fader caps but not ones like this:
https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/switchcaps-mini/
I love supporting Thonk but try to find options with less intensive shipping when possible...
Suggestions appreciated!
- Strategy
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theehman

EHX has white ones like those used on the Microsynth and POG.  I have some here and can spare a few.
Alternatively you could make your own from Plasti-Dip.
Ron Neely II
Electro-Harmonix info: http://electroharmonix.vintageusaguitars.com
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fx schematics and repairs

Mark Hammer

I have used the plastic toggle-switch tips as slider caps.  You need to use needle-nose pliers to stretch them a bit, so they will fit.  There are obviously going to be limits to how wide you can stretch them, but it can work for a broad range of slider pot tops.

Kevin Mitchell

#3
+1 what Mr. Hammer suggests. I've done this with a few different sliders with no problem. For both thin metal & thick plastic sliders.
Though I've suggested this elsewhere and there was one or two guys who had disputed my suggestion implying that they will tear which has not happened to me or maybe anyone.... people are super critical in that forum. Even though I think those slider caps and toggle caps are the same thing...

Once you know this you'll see the unjust pricing in "EH replacement slider caps" on ebay.

Edit;
Oh I see thonk advertises them as such. That would have been good ammo for that dispute  :o
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antonis

Search for "Slider Knob"..
SELCO, CLIFF, SR PASSIVES, SCI, SYNTAUR are some quality brands..
"I'm getting older while being taught all the time" Solon the Athenian..
"I don't mind  being taught all the time but I do mind a lot getting old" Antonis the Thessalonian..

Strategy

Thanks, all! I hadn't considered EH or Syntaur. I'll explore these resources. I'll have to compare the sliders on my EH pedal with sliders (Holiest Grail) with the slider measurement on the new thing (cheap MIJ "Holmes" branded graphic EQ, sweet little thing I got for $30 USD) that needs its sliders capped. Right now it's bare metal - little ouchy forks of metal.

I may grab an extra so I can maybe do something a little extra with toggle switches on a project too, TBD.
I haven't done this on a build but have seen products with the toggle switches "dressed" - nice visual garnish.

- Strategy
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anotherjim

I've used Chinese toggle switch tips meant for metric thread pickup selectors. They come in a few colours black/white/ivory. You could also try Strat selector tips as they fit a flat lever similar to a slide pot. Tele style are all too large I think.
They are difficult to search for as some places call them knobs but you'll probably still only find large mixer sized ones.

PRR

#7
Thinking inside the Big Box:

Home Depot (and any general electric supply) has Liquid Tape in a couple of colors (several brands). Rig your slider so it will stand post-down to drip-dry. Fill a tiny shot-glass with Liquid Tape, dip your post, set aside to dry. Repeat until you have a happy blob, or decide this is not what you want. The stuff is also good for painting numbers, marking your tools, and I even have some on power wiring (not my preference).
https://plastidip.com/our-products/liquid-tape/




This Amazon listing has a heap of different caps under "Products related to this item", "Customers also viewed", and "Compare with similar items".
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Strategy

I love a DIY challenge so plasti-dip experiments may be in my future, dunno if it's in my immediate future though :)
I'm also pretty intrigued with casting my own knob shapes and colors, seems like an entire rabbit hole of fun with molding!!
Strategy
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amptramp

We had a demonstration several years ago at the London Vintage Radio Club (in London Ontario, not the UK) of a 3D printer.  The antique radio community is excited about 3D printing because it offers a way to clone radio knobs that have gone missing and on a lot of old sets, this is how they are acquired and sometimes the only defect in a set.  It took over an hour to print a small knob that would fit in a one inch cube but a slider cap should be quick and easy.

Strategy

3D printing stuff is amazing, and it seems like people in my area have really pursued this as a hobby and/or profession. I have hired a 3D printing person in my area to do this - I am a cassette enthusiast and my Nakamichi 600 has always had a missing tape door. I had one 3D printed for about $35 and looks absolutely original. Have also gotten 3D printed slider caps for a vintage Akai synth, online. This has been on my mind lately as I'm restoring a vintage Vesta Fire pedal that has odd custom push buttons for the foot switches that are big and plastic, and totally broken in the current condition.

- Strategy
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